Reich, other University athletes earn titles, top rankings in polls

A University athlete and several teams have earned a number of distinctions this season.

Fourth-year basketball player Derek Reich was named the NCAA Division III Preseason Player of the Year by Division III News on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Reich, who also earned an unprecedented third consecutive University Athletic Association Player of the Year award, became Chicago’s all-time scoring leader last season with a total of 1,618 points.

“There were many strong candidates for this award, but we felt Derek was the most deserving,” said Division III News editor Gary Rubin. “He had a tremendous season last year, and is expected to have another great campaign.”

Also this season, four Chicago teams were ranked among the top 25 in NCAA Division III coaches polls. On Tuesday, Oct. 15, the women’s soccer team was ranked 12th for the second consecutive week.

The men’s cross country team was ranked 23rd, while the men’s soccer team checked in at 24th in the national listings.

A Tuesday, Oct. 22 coaches poll ranked the women’s cross country team 23rd in the division.