NEW YORK — Columbia football handed out 13 awards, and the Lions recognized the Class of 2025 at its annual awards banquet Saturday evening at the Forum.
The evening began with an hour-long welcome reception, followed by the banquet program featuring a season recap, guest introductions, highlight videos, and remarks from captains CJ Brown and Patrick Passalacqua.
Senior wide receiver earned the prestigious Sid Luckman Most Valuable Player, which goes to the overall MVP of the team. The first-team All-Ivy League selection made 43 catches for 760 yards. His nine touchdowns were No. 18 in FCS and are the third most for a Lion wideout in a single season. Canty was named Ivy League Player of the Week twice and posted three 100-yard receiving games from three different quarterbacks.
Senior running back Joey Giorgi repeated as the Lions' Most Valuable Offensive Player for the third consecutive year after leading the squad in rushing with was the Ivy League's second-leading rusher at 860 yards, and the total ranks as the sixth highest in program history. He was Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week on October 7 and had four 100-yard rushing games, all of which were Columbia victories.
The Most Valuable Defensive Player Award went to senior defensive back Hayden McDonald. The five-time All-America selection led the Ivy League with five interceptions. Additionally, he ranks No. 2 in FCS in interceptions per game. McDonald added seven pass breakups and registered 68 tackles, both good for second on the team.
Senior linebacker Anthony Roussos picked up the David W. Smyth Memorial Cup, which is given to an outstanding player who displays intangibles such as spirit, leadership, sportsmanship, and loyalty.
Aaron Brebnor and CJ Brown received the Head Coach Career Achievement Award. Brebnor played in all 40 games during his career and picked up All-Ivy League Honorable Mention status. Brown was a four-year contributor at linebacker and served as a captain the last two seasons.
The Special Teams Award was given to Aidan Shinfield. The senior played in 10 games on every Lions' unit, making five tackles and returned punts and kickoffs.
First-year defensive back Carter McCray was named the team's Ken Germann Freshman Award for the most accomplished and outstanding first-year. McCray started Columbia's final six games with 27 tackles, an interception and eight pass breakups and was the only first-year listed on an All-Ivy League squad in 2024.
The Lions' starting left guard, John Iannuzzi, won the Jack Armstrong Most Outstanding Award as the team's most outstanding offensive lineman. Iannuzzi was one of the top-rated offensive linemen in the country and helped Columbia gain 393.0 yards per game, the second-highest mark in program history on his way to second-team All-Ivy League honors.
Senior Pat Colicchio earned the Lions' Maniatty-Remmer Unsung Hero Award, given to a player whose role is not always obvious to the outside observer, but without his contribution, the team would not be as successful. Colicchio started all 10 games on the offensive line and had to shift to center late in the season after injuries piled up for Columbia.
Linebacker Jack Smiechowski was named Columbia's Lou Little Coaches Most Improved Player award, given to the player who, through extraordinary efforts, improved his play and maximized his production. The junior posted 66 tackles and was the team leader with 7.0 for a loss.
The team's John J. Cirigliano Ironman Award, given to the players who overcome adversity to become strong contributors to the team on the field, went to senior defensive lineman Ben Corniello. Corniello only played one game in 2023 due to injury and hurt himself just before training camp but recovered in time to start the 2024 season. He racked up 30 tackles, including 5.0 for a loss and 2.5 sacks, to earn All-Ivy League First Team accolades.
Passalacqua took home the Phil Fusco Award, given to a player who exhibits overall leadership both on and off the field. The two-time captain along with Brown, set a career-high with 32 tackles and added a sack.
For the latest on the Columbia football team, follow @CULionsFB on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit GoColumbiaLions.com.
2023 COLUMBIA FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS
Saturday, February 15, 2024 | Annual Football Awards Banquet | The Forum, Columbia University, New York, N.Y.
Sid Luckman Most Valuable Player Award: Bryson Canty (WR)
Most Valuable Offensive Player: Joey Giorgi (RB)
Most Valuable Defensive Player: Hayden McDonald (DB)
David W. Smyth Memorial Cup: Anthony Roussos (LB)
Head Coach Career Achievement Award: Aaron Brebnor (DB), CJ Brown (LB)
Special Teams Award: Aidan Shinfield (WR)
Ken Gerrmann Freshman of the Year Award: Carter McCray (DB)
Jack Armstrong Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award: John Iannuzzi (LG)
Maniatty-Remmer Unsung Hero Award: Pat Collichio (OL)
Lou Little Coaches Most Improved Award: Jack Smiechowski (LB)
John J. Cirigliano Ironman Award: Ben Corniello (DL)
Phil Fusco Award: Patrick Passalacqua (DL)
For the latest on the Columbia football team, follow @CULionsFB on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
