The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Hands Out Awards at Annual Banquet
January 17 | Football
AKRON - The University of Akron football program honored its players for the 2009 season at its annual banquet Sunday at the University's Grand Ballroom.
The banquet, under the direction of master of ceremonies Frank Stams, saw head coach Rob Ianello, UA Faculty Athletics Representative J. Dean Carro, director of athletics Tom Wistrcill and pastor Christopher Hale each talked about the positives of 2009 and the groundwork laid for the 2010 season.
The 2009 honorees included:
Fred Sefton Outstanding Performances:
Given in honor of former Zip coach and head of the Akron physical education department Fred Sefton.
OFFENSE
Jeremy LaFrance led the Zips with his 43 receptions to rank 20th on the Akron single-season list. He is the only receiver to start all 12 games in 2009 and he led the team in receptions eight times. He had a big game in helping Akron defeat rival Kent State, catching eight passes for 126 yards with two touchdowns
DEFENSE
Miguel Graham led the Mid-American Conference in passes defended and passes broken up, while ranking 10th in the league in interceptions. He additionally ranked ninth in the NCAA in passes defended and 12th in passed broken up. He set a school record by breaking up six passes in one game, earning MAC East Defensive Player of the Week honors and helping Akron defeat rival Kent State. He was named second team All-MAC by the coaches and first team by Phil Steele's Magazine.
Doc Smith Awards
Presented to the outstanding player in each class in remembrance of Harry "Doc" Smith, who gave himself to the University through his activity in the health and physical education departments.
Freshman:
Brian Wagner was a first team Freshman All-American and one of the top players in the nation. He finished seventh in the NCAA and, through the regular season, led the Mid-American Conference in tackles. He finished with 132 tackles, 61 more stops than the next closest total on the team.
Sophomore:
Jake Anderson had the daunting task of being the lone new starter along the offensive front five. After a solid off season in preparation for the year, he lived up to the task and started all 12 games at right tackle.
Junior:
After becoming just the second Zip to earn All-MAC three times in his career, Almondo Sewell, despite being the anchor and key figure in the trenches, finished fourth on the team in tackles this past season.
Senior:
Andre Jones was been asked to play both offense and defense over his career, then was asked do both this season, including playing three positions and on the special teams in the Syracuse game alone. Although he played receiver in just seven games, he led the team in receiving yards, averaging an impressive 17 yards per catch, and tied for the team lead in touchdowns with five.
Red Blair Award - given annually to the team's top scorer.
Branko Rogovic led the team with 45 points, making all 24 of his extra points and seven field goals. This year marked the first time since 2001 the Zips were successful on all of their PAT attempts since 2001, thanks to six conversions by Igor Iveljic as well.
Special Teams Player of the Year
This year's recipient, Amin Kabir, is not that big of a surprise as he has made a name for himself with the big plays and big hits he makes on the units. He was voted by his teammates as the unit's captain this past season.
Academic Award
Presented by Associate AD/Student Services Anne Jorgensen, Elliott Bates was honored with the 2009 Academic Award. He was tabbed Academic All-MAC team thanks to his 4.0 GPA in graduate work in physical education and he started each of his last 24 games at center.
The John Heisman Award
Given in memory of Akron's first athletic director and football coach John W. Heisman. The award goes to the team's unsung hero for the intangibles he provides in practices and inspiring his teammates.
Mike Thomas has over-achieved in most peoples eyes each of the last two years. However, his productivity reinforces the fact that his is one of the most consistent players around. He ranked second on the team in tackles as well as second on the team in pass breakups, while adding two interceptions. He is a tireless worker and, as the award states, provides great leadership, which is why his teammates named voted him defensive captain.
Special Teams Players of the Year
These awards are annually presented by the graduate assistants as they prepare the scout team each week, carrying out the sometimes thankless task of replicating the week's opponent. Jeff Blasko, offensive GA, presented safety Doug Richardson with his unit's award, while Matt Thurin honored offensive lineman Sean McCarthy and running back Larry Dawson.
The banquet was capped with Coach Ianello bringing up the captains for 2009 - Elliott Bates (offense), Mike Thomas (defense) and Amin Kabir (defense) - and explaining the key role captains play on a team and allowed the trio to make a final address to their team.
