Split Decision

After captivating the American public with their story and their skill all season long, it seems only fitting that UAlbany lacrosse brothers Lyle and Miles Thompson end the season on one more high note.

On Thursday night, the Thompsons both won the Tewaaraton Award, the lacrosse equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.

It is the first time since the awards inception that two winners have been named, and despite Tewaaraton being the Native American word for lacrosse, it is the first time that a Native American has received the award.

Both Thompsons broke the single-season NCAA scoring record in 2014. Lyle accumulated 128 points on 51 goals and 77 assists en route to earning the USILA D1 Outstanding Player of the Year. He also took home America East Player of the Year.

Miles was a USILA First-Team All-American, America East Tournament MVP, and a first-team all-conference selection.

“It is the best feeling to share the award with my brother and be the first Native Americans to win it,” said Miles Thompson. “No words can express this feeling.”

“Words cannot describe how happy I am, it brought tears to my eyes,” said Lyle Thompson. “To share the award with my brother is an honor.

The award was presented at the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

UAlbany advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament this season before losing to Notre Dame.

You can read more on the award ceremony here, courtesy of the UAlbany athletic department.