Rochester Knighthawks play-by-play broadcaster Craig Rybczynski has been named the recipient of the Tom Borrelli Award as the National Lacrosse League’s Media Member of the Year for the 2019-20 season.
“I am truly honored to receive this year’s Tom Borrelli Media Member of the Year award,” said Rybczynski. “Congratulations to fellow finalists Teddy Jenner and Jake Elliott, who are both outstanding broadcasters and advocates for the sport and the NLL. I could not have won this award without the support of my loving family, and the cooperation and dedication of the Knighthawks players, coaches and staff. Thank you to Kim and Terry Pegula, and Dan Carey and Rob Minter for allowing me to continue calling games and promoting lacrosse in Rochester, NY. The award is extra special to me because it honors Tom Borrelli, a fantastic person who spent his life covering this great game. He was a man who I considered a friend and a mentor.”
Rybczynski, who celebrated his remarkable 21st season in the National Lacrosse League and first with the expansion-era Knighthawks in 2019-20, has been a staple of Knighthawks lacrosse in Rochester for over two decades. This past season was also his 19th as the radio and TV voice of the Knighthawks dating back to his time with original Knighthawks franchise. He’s been a fixture on the team’s broadcasts on 107.3 FM The Bull as well as B/R Live and was instrumental in leading the Knighthawks into their inaugural season.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than Craig,” said Knighthawks General Manager and Vice President of Lacrosse Operations Dan Carey. “He takes tremendous pride in what he does for our team and his passion for the game and National Lacrosse League is unmatched. He’s a vital part of our organization and this award speaks volumes to his commitment and dedication to his craft.”
Rybczynski, who also serves as the team’s lacrosse operations manager, remains the longest-tenured broadcaster in National Lacrosse League history, and in 2018, he established a league record by calling his 300th straight NLL broadcast.
A native of Hamburg, N.Y., he was behind the microphone for the last four NLL championships won by the previous Knighthawks organization and owns the distinction of calling the first and only three-peat in league history when Rochester won three consecutive titles from between 2012 and 2014.
Rybczynski also previously served as the former Knighthawks’ director of communications for 20 seasons. In 2018-19, he was voted the winner of the team’s Seventh Man Award, which recognizes hard work and commitment, and before that was named the NLL’s Public Relations Executive of the Year in 2006.
