Jan. 29, 2010

Bronx, N.Y. - The Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches announced the 2009 ACWPC Men's All-American Teams today, which included one Fordham player, as the Rams' Ali Arat (Istanbul, Turkey/Sisli Terakki Secondary) was named Honorable Mention All-American. He is the first Fordham water polo All-American since Eric Weber in 1982.

As first seasons go, Arat had arguably one of the best in Fordham history earning multiple awards by the end of 2009. He was selected as the CWPA Northern Division Rookie of the Year and Rookie of the Eastern Championship, while also garnering First Team All-East and All-Northern Division honors.

In his first collegiate season, Arat was among the Rams' top scorers all season long, as well as ranking in the top ten in the NCAA for most of the year. He tied for the team lead in points with 79, and rated second on the squad with 71 goals, which was the fourth-best single season total at Fordham. He also led Fordham with 62 kickouts drawn and was second in steals with 28.

Arat also posted 19 multi-goal games and was named CWPA Northern Division Rookie of the Week twice.