May 19, 2006

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's men's tennis team has announced its annual award winners, head coach Paul Torricelli has announced. Senior captain Adam Schaechterle (Oconomowoc, Wis./Kettle Moraine) was named the 2006 Vandy Christie Award recipient, while Willy Lock (Lima, Peru/Markham College) has been named the 2006 Mark Johnson Award winner. The awards were voted on by the team's coaches and players.

Schaechterle, the team's lone senior, earned his first-career Vandy Christie Award, which is presented annually to the player that demonstrates outstanding loyalty and dedication to Northwestern tennis.

"Adam had an outstanding year in every respect," head coach Paul Torricelli said. "He did a terrific job as team captain and had an outstanding year in both singles and doubles. He has really finished his career on a high note."

The Award was established in 1989 and is named in honor of the former NU player, coach and administrator. Christie played at NU from 1955-57, becoming NU's first Big Ten singles champion. He returned to Northwestern to coach from 1976-83 and was named director of development in 1984. He held the position until 1990.

"The Christie Award is a very special one and Adam was a unanimous choice by his teammates. Vandy was such an important figure at Northwestern and beloved by everyone who knew him."

Lock, who compiled a team-best 15-7 dual record this season, earns his first-career Mark Johnson Award. The award, established in 2003, is presented to the player who demonstrates outstanding effort, commitment and desire to improve. It's given annually to the team's hardest working player.

"Willy's work ethic speaks for itself and is reflected in his performance," Torricelli said. "He had another outstanding season and is one of the best competitors I have ever had at Northwestern. He has earned the admiration of his coaches, teammates and opponents."

The award is named after the former NU assistant coach who served from 1988-92.

"Mark was a terrific coach and friend," Torricelli said. "He would have loved working with Willy!"