CONTACT: Adam Sopris, a.sopris@hvcc.edu, 518-629-7898 or 518-416-2137
FOR RELEASE: Immediate, Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Three Hudson Valley Community College football student-athletes were garnered 2022 NJCAA Division III Football All-America honors as announced by the NJCAA Football Committee on Tuesday, December 13.
Trevor Smith (Yorkshire / Pioneer), Christopher Alabanzas (Cherry Hill, NJ / Cherry Hill) and Joshua Jean-Baptiste (Cherry Hill, NJ / Cherry Hill) were all named to the All-American teams with Smith garnering first-team accolades and Alabanzas and Jean-Baptiste landed on the second-team.
Smith, 6' 6" defensive lineman from Yorkshire, New York, was a physical presence for the Vikings this year. He started in all 10 games and finished the season with 63 tackles and seven sacks. He also added 13 tackles for loss, one breakup and a blocked kick. Smith was also named the Vikings Defensive Player of the Year as the end of year banquet last month.
Alabanzas, a two-year starter on an improved offensive line, handled all of the line adjustments in coordination with the coaches and the quarterbacks. Alabanzas, the 2022 team captain, was also awarded the program's Coaches Award, given annually to a football student-athlete that has most completely represented Hudson Valley athletics and their sport, displayed through his athletic ability, positive attitude, work ethic performance and displayed leadership skills towards his teammates. Chris currently holds offers from NCAA Division I programs to continue his athletic and academic career at the next level.
Jean-Baptiste completed an impressive sophomore campaign with the Vikings as he finished with 444 rushing yards on 99 attempts. He averaged 55.5 yards per game, including three touchdowns as the program's lead running back. He also landed second-team honors for his success as a return specialist. Jean-Baptiste was recognized as the NJCAA Special Teams Player of the Week following his dominant performance against Sussex. He recorded two kickoff return touchdowns, including a 98-yard score and a total of 195 yards.