INDIANAPOLIS--- The NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Committee has reprimanded Franklin Pierce College men’s soccer student-athlete Marek Hawrylik for inappropriate behavior during the 2005 NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Championship.

Specifically, Hawrylik was observed removing his jersey prior to the official end of the game and subsequently kicking the game ball into the stands as the contest was concluding.   At meetings held February 13-16, 2006, the NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Committee determined that Hawrylik’s behavior constituted misconduct as defined in NCAA Bylaw 31.1.8.   Thus, the committee has issued a public reprimand to Hawrylik, imposed a one-game suspension in the 2006 postseason competition against him, and has withheld one day of his per diem, requiring Franklin Pierce to reimburse the NCAA for the amount owed ($75). 

“The committee was very disappointed in Mr. Hawrylik’s behavior and strongly believes that the championship should not be tarnished by such acts,” said NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Committee chair Murray Hartzler.  “These types of action only serve to discredit the student-athlete, Franklin Pierce College and the men’s soccer championship,” he said.

Fort Lewis College defeated Franklin Pierce College, 3-1, in the national title match held in Wichita Falls, Texas, Dec. 4, 2005. 

The NCAA is a voluntary membership organization of colleges and universities that participate in intercollegiate athletics.  Two of the main purposes of the Association are to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program and the student-athlete as an integral part of the student body.  Activities of the NCAA membership include formulating rules of play for NCAA sports, conducting national championships, adopting and enforcing standards of eligibility and studying all phases of intercollegiate athletics.