TAMPA, Fla. – University of Tampa men’s soccer player Jake Richards has been named the recipient of the 2019-20 Iron Spartan Award, which is presented annually.

The senior from Bedworth, England, established himself as the starter his freshman year and never looked back. He was a four-time all-Sunshine State Conference selection and MVP of 2017 SSC Tournament. Richards was twice named to the SSC All-Championship Team (2016, 2017). He started 54 out of 56 games in his career, playing in all 56 with a total of 14 career shutouts. He finished his Spartan career third all-time in minutes played (5,169), fourth in saves (239) and eighth in wins (24).

This award recognizes the student-athlete who demonstrates intensity, focus, leadership, positive attitude and has shown improved athletic performance due to their consistency in the weight room. The areas that are noted, but not limited to, include using the weight room as a means to improve on-court/field performance, observed improvements in strength/explosiveness as an athlete and setting the tone/promoting the weight room to the team. This marks the second year for the award, which was presented to baseball player Stevie Mangrum in 2018-19.

Due to the cancellation of the 2020 Sparty’s, the major awards for the 2019-20 season with be announced throughout the week on TampaSpartans.com. Other awards include the Iron Spartan Award and the Melissa Vanderhall Spartan Cape Award.

Following is a list of the 2019-20 University of Tampa Award Winners.

Freddie Solomon Community Service Award: Claire Swanson, Women’s Lacrosse
Male Scholar-Athlete Award: Kellen Broaderick, Swimming
Female Scholar-Athlete Award: Julia Ingram, Basketball
Male Iron Spartan Award: Jake Richards, Men’s Soccer
Female Iron Spartan Award: TBA
Melissa Vanderhall Spartan Cape Award: TBA