By: Josh Narotsky, UR Sports Information office

Nate Novosel, a junior forward on the men's Basketball team, has been selected as the winner of the 2011 John Vitone Award from the Department of Athletics and Recreation. The Vitone Award is presented for Outstanding Sportsmanship in the men's intercollegiate athletic program. Novosel is a native of Lexington, KY and an alumnus of Lexington Catholic High School.

On the court, he has been a three year letter winner, and starter for men's basketball. He was a team captain this past year, as he was named All-UAA First Team, and NABC First Team. As a sophomore, he was named All-UAA Second Team, and was named UAA Rookie of the Year as a freshman.

Novosel's off the court accomplishments have been equally as impressive. A Political Science major, he has worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Political Science department. He was a finalist for the Truman Scholarship, a prestigious national scholarship awarded to college juniors with experience in public service. Novosel served as an Associate Justice on the All-Campus Judicial Council, and Vice President of the College Democrats. He is also the Head Captain of Community Service for the St. Sebastian Society.