MOUNT PLEASANT – Central Michigan University’s football program handed out its postseason honors at its annual awards banquet Sunday at the Soaring Eagle Resort.
Sophomore receiver/returner Antonio Brown was named the team’s offensive and special teams player of the year. The 2008 Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, Brown was an All-MAC first team selection as a receiver, kick returner and punt returner. He led the nation in punt return yardage (20.5 ypr) and ranked fourth nationally in all-purpose yards (178.1 ypg).
Brown led the Chippewas in receptions (93), receiving yards (998) and touchdown catches (seven). He had three 100-yard receiving games, five punt returns of 36 or more yards and threw a 2-yard touchdown pass against Western Michigan.
Sophomore linebacker Nick Bellore was selected the program's defensive player of the year. He was an All-MAC first team selection after leading the conference, and ranking fourth nationally, in tackles (11.3 tpg). Bellore's 148 total tackles tied for the third-highest single-game total in school history, and the co-captain made at least 11 stops in 10 different games in 2008.
Senior defensive lineman Casey Droscha was selected the recipient of the Kurt Dobronski Award. Voted on by the seniors, the Dobronski Award is annually presented to the CMU senior who demonstrates great effort, intensity and appreciation for the CMU football program. The award is named for two-time All-MAC linebacker Kurt Dobronski who died in the crash of Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987.
Other awards presented at the banquet include:
Ring of Honor: Brian Brunner
Hold the Rope Award: Andrew Hartline
Academic Excellence Award: Brian Brunner
Gridiron Gladiator: Joe Bockheim
Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year: Ryan Radcliff
Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year: Gary Jackson
Future Offensive Ace: Bryan Schroeder
Future Defensive Ace: Kashawn Fraser
Most Valuable Offensive Back: Dan LeFevour
Most Valuable Offensive Lineman: Andrew Hartline
Most Valuable Wide Receiver: Joe Bockheim
Most Valuable Linebacker: Nick Bellore
Most Valuable Defensive Lineman: Frank Zombo
Most Valuable Defensive Back: Eric Fraser
Captains Award: Nick Bellore, Brian Brunner, Casey Droscha, Andrew Hartline, Dan LeFevour, Greg Wojt
Defensive Team Contribution Award: Antrione Archer, Matt Berning, Tim Brazzel, Josh Gordy, Larry Knight, David Lawrence, Sean Murnane, Sam Williams, Frank Zombo
Offensive Team Contribution Award: Bryan Anderson, Brian Brunner, Kyle Curtis, Dan LeFevour, Jeff Maddux, Colin Miller, Allen Ollenburger, Jean Pitts, Kito Poblah, Ontario Sneed, Rocky Weaver, Greg Wojt
Specialists Team Contribution Award: Andrew Aguila, Brian Bennyhoff, Brett Hartmann
