Several awards were given at the sports banquet Monday in the faculty lounge, including the title of tennis MVP to Kostya Omelyanchuk.Other awards presented were “most improved” to Enrique Lewin for tennis and “the coaches award” to Antonio Cortez in tennis. Around 150 people were present, including most coaches and Pierce College President Robert Garber. The food was catered by Rosie’s Barbecue and was served by the coaches to the players.No friends or family of the players were invited to the banquet, as it was inclusive for those involved in sports.Bob Lofrano, athletic director, said the reason for the banquet was due to the fact that “it was a good year, and to say thank you to all the athletes and coaches.”The banquet credited players from tennis, women’s volleyball, football, men’s basketball, swimming, men’s volleyball and women’s soccer. Playing on a sports team at Pierce requires students to exceed not only in physical strength, but also in academics.”We check every week to see that athletes are maintaining their GPA and keeping their units,” Lofrano said. “The first year, they need a total of 12 units and the second year, a total of 24.”Students on sports teams are expected to go above and beyond in their academics, in order to have a respectable place on the team. “They always have to go to school full time, and cannot drop a class,” Lofrano said.Enrique Lewin, tennis player, said, “This is the best season this far. We put Pierce back on the map.”Pierce is well known for excelling in athletics and having quality coaches.”I strongly believe in intercollegiate sports,” Garber said. “I support the students’ hard work as both students and athletes. We have a great athletics program.”Coaches were pleased with the way the season has gone and are looking forward to next year.Men’s volleyball coach Eddie Stanislawski said “We have a lot of talent for next year.”Although this season was not the best yet for the Brahmas, it was still important to honor every player for their dedication.”You can’t look at wins and losses,” Lofrano said.