Feb. 17, 2007

DAYTON, Ohio - Freshman Ryan Handbury had no other expectations than to try his best when he set out from Nottingham, England, in search of a good American soccer experience and education.

Handbury's efforts resulted in the coaches naming him the University of Dayton's men's soccer White-Allen Most Valuable Player at the team's postseason banquet Saturday at UD Arena.

"Personally, I was taking a chance, but I wanted to live in the U.S. and experience living away from home," said Handbury, who also made the Atlantic 10 honorable mention list. "I knew I was capable of doing well, but the A-10 award surprised me. I'm more than happy about how (his first season) worked out."

Handbury was one of three Flyers to start all 17 games in 2006, along with freshman Randy Dennis and senior Ian Mulligan. Handbury had a goal and an assist. The goal, a penalty kick in a 1-0 win at LaSalle, ended UD's seven-game winless streak.

"He played steady every game," UD head coach Dennis Currier said. "He was the focal point at center back."

The coaches singled out senior Antti Arst for their achievement award for the way he leads by example.

"He has been one of our favorites," Currier said. "He's hard-working, versatile and enjoyable to be around. It was great to see his progress from 2005 to 2006."

Arst played in all 17 games this season and had three goals and three assists. He was second on the team in points and goals. He capped his UD career with a goal and an assist in a 4-2 Senior Day victory against Charlotte.

The coaches named Mulligan the defensive player of the year.

"If I had a son, I'd want him to emulate Ian Mulligan," Currier said. "I think he played every minute since I've been here. He never came off the field. I know Ian will be successful wherever he goes."

Dennis, who Currier said showed a lot of leadership off the field, took home rookie of the year honors.

Currier also pointed out that 20 of the 28 players in the program had a 3.0 grade-point average or better during the first semester of the 2006-2007 school year.