December 24, 2008

RIPON, Wis. - The Ripon football team held their 2008 banquet earlier this month, celebrating their 8-2 season, which was the team's best record in seven years. The Red Hawks finished second in the Midwest Conference with an 8-1 mark. Their two losses in 2008 came by a combined four points. At the banquet, the team handed out several different awards, recognizing some of the players that contributed to their success this year.

Senior Ray Anderson was awarded the 2008 Outstanding Defensive Lineman award, thanks in part to his team-leading two and a half sacks, while junior Ryan Andersen earned the outstanding linebacker award for his team-leading 90 tackles. This season's outstanding offensive lineman award went to senior Mark Leupold, who was the anchor at center of an offensive line that paved the way for 2,527 rushing yards, which is the third-most in Ripon history, and 30 touchdowns.

Fellow seniors Brian Felix and Joshua Kraemer won awards for the team's best wide receiver and defensive back, respectively. Felix caught six passes for 161 yards (26.8 avg.), but earned a lot of his recognition by blocking for the Red Hawk's running game. Kraemer also had an outstanding year, recording a team-high six interceptions. He also made 55 tackles, forced three fumbles and recovered another. Kraemer added to his hardware with the outstanding defensive and special teams player awards. As a kick returner, Kraemer averaged 28.4 yards per kick return, including a pair of touchdowns, while also returning one punt for a touchdown, en route to a 14.8 punt return average. Kraemer, Leupold and senior defensive back Vince Spratte earned 2008 team captain status.

The outstanding offensive player award went to senior fullback Jon Larsen, who led the team with 624 rushing yards and five touchdowns, including three 100-yard rushing performances in Ripon's last five games. Larsen was also awarded as the team's outstanding offensive back.

The Red Hawks were also able to award some players for the first time. Sophomore quarterback Matthew Miller earned the Most Improved Offensive Player award, as he was forced into action due to an injury to Tygh Walters. Miller made the most of his opportunity, rushing for 11 touchdowns, while passing for seven more in nine games, after scoring four times in seven games last season. The Most Improved Defensive Player award went to Jeff Trinka, who recorded 25 tackles, including six for a loss and the first two sacks of his collegiate career. That comes one year after making 14 tackles.

The Red Hawk scout teams were also recognized for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. The offensive scout team player of the year awards were given to freshman wide receiver Todd Shifflett (King City, Mo./King City) and offensive lineman Luke Nolte (Appleton, Wis./Appleton North). The defensive scout team award went to freshman defensive lineman Alan Johnson (Westfield, Wis./Westfield).