Air Force Academy

Oct. 7, 2009

USAFA, Colo. - Air Force senior Matt Fairchild is one of 20 collegiate hockey players named a candidate for the Lowe's Senior CLASS award, recognizing student-athletes who have combined excellence in athletics, academics and community service. Fairchild, a left winger from Ashburn, Va., was selected as an assistant captain this season. A systems engineering management major, he carries a 3.55 overall grade point average and a 3.65 GPA in his major. He has been on the dean's list every semester and is a three-time academic all-conference selection. The most valuable player of the Atlantic Hockey Association tournament in 2009, he was a third-team all-league selection. He has been very active in his squadron and in the community. Fairchild has played in 119 career games and has scored 33 goals and 77 career points.

Fairchild is the fourth consecutive Falcon to be a candidate for the prestigious award. Billy Devoney (2007), Frank Schiavone (2008) and Mike Phillipich (2009) were all finalists for the award.

The award is presented annually to an NCAA's Division I student-athlete in nine sports based on achievements in the "Four C's" of classroom, character, community and competition. CLASS is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School. The Lowe's Senior CLASS Award was launched in 2001 to honor the attributes of college basketball seniors who fulfill their entire athletic eligibility and pursue the many rewards of a senior season and complete college education.

From the list of 20 candidates, a national media committee will select 10 finalists for the 2010 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in late January. Those 10 names will then be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote beginning February 5 and concluding March 19. Fan balloting will be coupled with votes from coaches and media to determine the recipient of the award. The winner will then be announced in early April.