ATLANTA – The Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA), the premier non-varsity league in North America, is proud to announce the selection of Michigan State sophomore Johnny Rioux and Cal State San Marcos senior Easton Bates as the 2023 Godekeraw Award recipients.

The Godekeraw Award is presented annually to a player in both MCLA Division I and II who excels on the field, in the classroom as well as having a strong community service component. It is the association’s most prestigious award.

Rioux, a faceoff specialist for the Spartans, won 83.8 percent of his faceoffs this spring along with three goals, leading Michigan State to its first appearance at the MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance since 2019.

The Howell, Mich., product was named a first-team all-conference selection as well as earning Third Team All-America accolades this spring.

Rioux is pursuing a double-major in Biochemistry and Pre-Med and currently holds a 3.5 grade point average. He is a weekly volunteer at the Comfy Cozy Chemo project that works to provide comfort and aid to children who are going through chemotherapy treatments.

In addition, he volunteers at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor to provide physical therapy to patients recovering from trauma. Rioux is also an active youth lacrosse coach in the Metro-Detroit area.

“Johnny is an integral part of every game plan we had this year,” said Michigan State coach Matt Holtz. “His on-field performance earned him our team MVP along with conference and national honors.

“Johnny is also an incredible student. He plans on attending medical school and is well-positioned to be accepted at one of the best schools in the country. In support of his future career goals, Johnny also spends time in hospitals volunteering. I am very proud of him and all his accomplishments this year.”

Bates, the Cougars’ goalie, turned away 63.6 percent of the shots he faced this spring, leading San Marcos to the SLC championship as well as a trip to the national semifinals. He was a first team all-conference pick and a Third Team All-American.

The Stockton, Calif., native graduated with a 3.3 grade point average with a major in Psychology and a double-minor in Anthropology and Political Science. He also volunteers for numerous lacrosse groups, including On-Point Lacrosse Club, Santee Aviators and Nike Lacrosse at San Diego during the summer.

Bates also presented an interdisciplinary project to help the sport flourish in inner-city disadvantaged communities. During the World Games in San Diego, he’ll be supporting lower socioeconomic teams (countries) in achieving their goals.

“Easton’s leadership and dedication to his team was the essential turning point for CSUSM lacrosse,” said San Marcos coach Wyatt Ehrhardt. “As a player, Easton brought in technique and expertise to the goalie position which has uplifted the program. In addition, Easton is very well known in the San Diego lacrosse community for his outreach and focus towards growing the game.

“Scholastically, Easton has directed his efforts towards researching and enhancing socioeconomic equity, as well as collaborating with underserved areas of San Diego. This is a remarkable award that has found a highly deserving team player. We are all excited to see what Easton will go on to do for the game of lacrosse and in life.”