ATLANTA – North Dakota State senior close defender Evan Schraut has been tabbed the MCLA Division II Player of the Year after a vote taken by the All-American committee.

Schraut backboned his defensive unit as the Bison rolled to their first MCLA Division II national championship in Salt Lake City this May. For his efforts at nationals, he was named the tournament MVP.

In addition, the Champlin, Minn., product was a First Team All-America selection for the third straight year (he was a third-teamer as a freshman in ’15) and the Upper Midwest Lacrosse Conference (UMLC) Defensive Player of the Year for the second time.

Recently, Shraut was presented with the Godekeraw Award, which goes to the player who excels on the field, in the classroom and in the community. It is the highest honor available in the MCLA.

“This award really shows that hard work does payoff,” said North Dakota State coach Zach Bosh. “Even though Evan was good player when he came in as a freshman, he worked harder than anyone to get to where he is now.

“The fact that a defensive player won this award is really special because you have to pass the eye test from everyone who saw him play. Stats don't even tell half the story. Thanks for all the hard work, Evan, and for leaving your mark on our program.”

Schraut finished his career with 181 ground balls, one assist while winning 111-of-194 faceoff attempts (57.2%).