Many college basketball players leave their respective schools following productive careers.

But not all leave their mark like Cliff Foster.

The 2000 Knoch High School graduate recently ended his career at LaRoche College, helping the Redhawks to their first Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference title in school history while compiling an overall record of 14-14.

The point guard was named All-AMCC First Team and was runner-up for Player of the Year.

"I came here with two goals," said Foster. "I wanted to be the best player I could be and I wanted to be a champion.

"And we took care of the championship this season," Foster added.

"Cliff came in as a good player and he leaves as a great player," said LaRoche coach Scott Lang. "He's gotten better in all areas of the game the past four years."

Foster did everything for the Redhawks this season, averaging 8.6 points per game, 7.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds.

He holds the school record for career and single-season assists at 636 and 201, respectively.

But Lang said Foster's biggest contribution came on defense.

"He's the best defensive player in the history of the conference," said Lang. "He's great on that end of the floor."

Foster leaves as LaRoche's career steals leader (238), setting the single-season standard of 78 this season.

"Sometimes I could see fear in the eyes of the player I was guarding," said Foster. "I'm proud of that."

Foster's do-everything playing style was best exemplified in a game against Allegheny College Nov. 29.

Though the Redhawks lost 86-77, Foster tallied nine assists and eight steals.

"That's just the type of player I am," said Foster. "Whether I'm playing at the (YMCA) or in an actual game, I bring that style to the court."

As the season progressed, the road became rougher for LaRoche.

The Redhawks lost six of their top nine players to injuries, academic and disciplinary reasons. Foster's play and attitude were stabilizing forces.

"Cliff was really awesome going through all that," said Lang. "He didn't let the guys quit."

"I really grew as a person because of my experience here," said Foster, an elementary education major. "I'm a better person from the relationships I've formed, and I believe I've influenced my teammates as well."

Though they won their conference, the Redhawks did not qualify for the NCAA Division III tournament. The AMCC champion will begin receiving an automatic bid next season.

"It stinks," Foster said of not being able to represent the conference in this year's playoffs.

Foster didn't show up out of the blue at LaRoche College with a basketball in his hands.

Before taking the AMCC by storm, he was a star at Knoch High School.

Foster was named to the Butler County Boys All-Star First Team his last two years with the Knights, earning Butler County Player of the Year honors his senior season.

That year, Foster averaged 19.7 points and 10.3 assists per contest.

As for defense, Foster didn't realize his full potential until college.

"In high school I was a good defensive player," said Foster. "But I was more offensive-minded, not focusing on defense all that much."

"Basketball has always been my favorite sport," he said. "I think it's because, while it is a team sport, there's always an opportunity for an individual to step up and take over a game.

"And, even through high school, I brought the same attitude to the game that I brought in college," he added.

As for the future, Foster has his priorities figured out.

"I've given some thought to coaching," he said. "And I've also gotten a few letters from several ABA teams who might be interested in me. But I have a 2½-year old daughter (Cassie), and right now, she's my main concern."