Sure, when you consider that a state college player of the year award normally goes to the universities that are the biggest and best overall, it’s really not a surprise that the Michigan college athlete of the year went to a player from Michigan State. However, when you really consider the number of division 1 schools in the state as well as the levels of talent at both MSU and Michigan alone, it stands to reason that whomever wins it–regardless of which university they come from–is pretty darn special.

, a goalie for the Spartan hockey team, fits that “special” model of player. Lerg, who ranked among the NCAA leaders in saves percentage and GAA in 2007-08, has been selected Michigan College Athlete of the Year by the Detroit Athletic Club.

Lerg has ingrained himself as one of the upper echelon goaltenders in the nation, and at the same time is also putting together one of the most statistically jaw-dropping careers of any Spartan athlete. In 2007-08 alone, he achieved what is arguably one of the most decorated seasons in school history; he was a Hobey Baker finalist, a Second-Team All-America selection, the CCHA First-Team goaltender, and the CCHA Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Yeah, he’s that good.

Michigan State won the Big Ten title this year and Lerg also lead the team to the NCAA tournament, where they made it to–at least–the second round for the third straight season, and only two other schools have done that consecutively.

Congrats, Jeff, you have certainly earned it.