Nov. 13, 2003

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The Big Ten Conference has announced that two Northwestern athletes have garnered postseason conference honors. Freshman Gerardo Alvarez was named Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year, second-team All-Big Ten and was also a Big Ten All-Freshman team selection, while Daniel Chille was named to the all-Freshman team as well.

Alvarez, who led the Wildcats in every offensive category this season, shares the Freshman of the Year award with Indiana's Jed Zayner.

With 23 points on the season, Alvarez posted the best offensive performance for a freshman in Northwestern soccer history. He ranks fourth in the NU record books for assists in a season with seven, seventh in points and ninth in goals in a season with eight.

"Gerardo winning this award just speaks volumes about where this program is headed," said head coach Tim Lenahan. "His performance today against Michigan really validated the recognition he's received."

Chille, meanwhile, emerged as one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the league and patrolled Northwestern's midfield with a veteran's savvy. He notched two goals and two assists on the season.

"Dan is one of the best one v. one players in the conference," Lenahan said. "It is great for the guys and our program to have two kids earn postseason honors."

The Big Ten has honored players with postseason awards since 1991 and no Northwestern athlete had been named Freshman of the Year until Alvarez. He is one of only three freshmen to make either first- or second-team all-conference this season.