May 5, 2008

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Senior Ira Reibeisen (Armonk, N.Y./Rye Country Upper Day School) and junior Ryan Sandburg (Orange, Calif./Canyon) earned first-team and second-team All-Patriot League honors, respectively, for the 2008 season, the league announced on Monday.

This is Reibeisen's third first-team recognition, as he closed out his college career as the winningest player in Bucknell men's tennis history. This season, he set Bucknell's all-time career singles victories record (76 wins), career doubles victories record (69; tied with Sandburg) and career combined victories record (145). This spring, he posted a record of 9-8 overall at the No. 1 singles position. When paired with Sandburg at the No. 1 doubles position, he went 12-7.

At Bucknell's Senior Awards Banquet, held on April 29, Reibeisen earned the Bison Club Award, presented to senior athletes "who best exemplify the winning spirit of the University's athletic program." A two-year captain of the Bison men's tennis squad, Reibeisen was named the Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year in the spring of 2007 and earned PL Player of the Month awards in October of 2006 and 2007.

Sandburg earned his first All-League honor after setting Bucknell's all-time career doubles victories record, tied with Reibeisen at 69 wins, this season. As a junior, Sandburg also ranks seventh in Bucknell's record books for career singles victories (48) and second for career combined victories (117). This spring, Sandburg went 11-11 in singles (4-1 at No. 1 and 7-10 at No. 2) and when paired with Reibeisen at the No. 1 doubles position, he posted a record of 12-7.

The Bucknell men's tennis team closed out the 2008 spring season, advancing to the semifinal at the Patriot League Tournament on April 26, with a final spring record of 11-10 and 4-3 in league play.

2008 Men's Tennis All-Patriot League

First Team
Eddie Kang, Army, Sr.
Phil Muhawi, Army, Jr.
Ira Reibeisen, Bucknell, Sr.
Martin MacIntyre, Colgate, Jr.
Nate Nelms, Navy, Jr.
John Waters, Navy, Jr.

Second Team
Sean Harris, Army, Jr.
Ryan Sandburg, Bucknell, Jr.
Eric Wiley, Lafayette, So.
Troy List, Lehigh, Fr.
John Nespoli, Lehigh, Sr.
Jason Hill, Navy, Jr.

Major Award Winners
Player of the Year: Martin MacIntyre, Colgate
Rookie of the Year: Owen Bullard, Navy
Coach of the Year: John Officer, Navy