Aug. 5, 2008

Duquesne University freshman Derek Patrizio (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown West) was recently named to the Atlantic 10 Men's Soccer Preseason All-Rookie team, which was voted on by the league's coaches. Patrizio's selection gives the Dukes a preseason All-Rookie honoree in each of the past eight seasons.

Patrizio, a 6 foot, 180-pound back from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, led his two club teams (FC Delco and Hockession Blizzard) to a combined seven state cup championships, two Region I championships and two third place finishes in the USYSA National Championships. As well as playing ODP for three years, Patrizio also helped his high school team, Downingtown West, to a combined 33-1-2 record his final two seasons before sustaining a season-ending injury his senior year.

Patrizio was the 2005-06 Delaware Outstanding Defensive Player while playing for the Hockession Blizzard. He also earned first and second team All-Chesmont League honors, Philadelphia Inquirer All SE PA team accolades and was twice a second team Daily Local News All-Area team choice. His team was ranked first in Southeast Pennsylvania and as high as third nationally.