David Vander Hoek has been awarded Athlete of the Month for February 2008 for his outstanding efforts on the rugby pitch for the California Maritime Academy.

 
A Junior from Bainbridge Island, Wa., Vander Hoek has consistently made contributions to the rugby team.  Vander Hoek is the starting Scrum Half and one of the team leaders both on and off the field.

 

This season, Vander Hoek has scored 12 tries in 8 games.  He has multiple scores in three games including 3 against Division I opponent Stanford University and 4 against conference opponent, Humboldt State.  “It’s not often you see a player score four tries in a game, David Vander Hoek proved what a fine prospect he is as player”, reports Head Coach, Edward Roberts.  In the Santa Rosa win, Vander Hoek scored the try of the game when he took a quick line out throw and through traffic ran for 50 yards to beat four Santa Rosa defenders.

 

Defensively, Vander Hoek has helped fortify a strong Keelhauler defense.  Along with a four try performance, Vander Hoek’s solid defensive efforts helped the Keelhaulers secure their first ever victory against league rival Humboldt State, 51-17.

 

Vander Hoek is currently studying marine transportation here at Cal Maritime.