FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APSTEIN NAMED FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICAN

LEWISTON, Maine -- Senior forward Andy Apstein of Waban, Mass., of the Bates College men's soccer team has been honored as a Division III first-team All-America selection by the National Soccer Coaches' Association of America (NSCAA).

Apstein is just the second men's soccer All-American in Bates history, joining Bob Thompson '65, who was named to the NSCAA College Division All America team as a fullback.

Apstein led the Bobcats to a 9-5-1 record and their second straight postseason berth in 1999. He led the team with eight assists and 22 points, both career-highs, while finishing second on the squad with seven goals. Apstein finished his career second on Bates' all-time career lists for assists (18) and points scored (68), while tying for second with 25 goals. He scored at least one point in 12 of the Bobcats' 15 games this season. In Apstein's four seasons at Bates, the Bobcats posted a cumulative record of 35-22-3 and reached the ECAC Division III New England championships three times.

"I am so happy for Andy," said head coach George Purgavie. "He has worked extremely hard for the program for four years. It is wonderful to see such dedication rewarded."

Apstein is a 1996 graduate of Belmont Hill School. He is the son of Carl and Barbara Apstein, 45 Ridge Road, Waban, Mass.