Central Islip, N.Y. -Dowling College senior back Patrick Cunningham (Oakdale, NY) and C.W. Post senior forward Maria Sonnerborg (Bjarred, Sweden) have been tabbed the 2008-09 East Coast Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Year.

Cunningham, named the Men's Scholar-Athlete of the Year, has amassed a 3.9 grade point average and will graduate with a degree in accounting. He was a staple on the Dowling defense for four years, having been a part of the 2006 National Championship team and the 2008 National Finalists team.  Continually earning spots on the Dean's List and Athletic Director's Honor Roll, Cunningham was also named to the 2008 Academic All-District First Team as well as the ECC All-Conference First Team.  In the 2008 post season, he was named to the Final Four All-Tournament Team and was the TFCU Scholar-Athlete of the Month in December. 

Sonnerborg, garnering Women's Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors, compiled a 3.905 grade point average and graduated with a degree in business.  The Second Team All-Conference recipient led the Pioneers with 17 goals, including eight game winning tallies and four assists during the 2008 season.  She helped C.W. Post captured its second straight ECC title and advance to the second round of the NCAA Championships. 

The nominees for the East Coast Conference Scholar-Athlete of Year award have been selected as Scholar-Athletes of the Year in their respective sports.  A Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year nominees are voted upon and selected by the Faculty Athletic Representatives from each ECC institution.