Mike Novotny, the goalkeeper for the Eastern men’s soccer team, has been named the Eastern Illinois Male Senior Athlete of the Year for the 2017-18 academic year.

According to a press release, the Eastern athletic department presents the award to the top senior athlete for their athletic success during their time as a student-athlete.

A list of finalists is announced each April and then voted on at the end of the athletic year.

Novotny was named the Summit League Goalkeeper of the Year and a first team All-Summit League selection his senior year.

“He posted a 0.95 goals against average as a senior with a save percentage of .835, both marks ranking fourth on the Eastern single season list,” the press release read.

He has 286 career saves, which is the third most in the program’s history.

He was also named the Summit League Player of the Week seven times during his four-year career.

The Eastern Female Senior Athlete of the Year Award will be announced on June 15.

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