EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team announced team awards recently at their end of the season banquet.
The top offensive honor went to tackle Isiah Cage (Jr.-Chicago, IL), who was voted Offensive Most Valuable Player. The criminal justice major anchored the Blugold offense that averaged 259 yards in 2014.
"Isiah is a great player as evident by his peers choosing him as MVP," said offensive line coach Ben Halder. "He led our line and we are excited he is returning next fall. He should have an even better senior year."
The Offensive Newcomer of the Year award went to sophomore Matthew Knapp (So.-Eau Claire, WI). The Memorial grad converted to the wide receiver position during the year and went on to average just under 10 yards per catch as Knapp recorded 32 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns.
"Matt is a talented athlete that we knew we had to get on the field," said offensive coordinator Matt Kender. "We moved him to wide receiver to utilize his athleticism and it really paid off. Each week he got better and better. We are expecting great things from Matt next season."
On the defensive side, Roger Steen (Sr.-Luck, WI) received top billing as the Defensive Most Valuable Player. Steen recorded 43 total tackles (eight assisted) including six tackles for a loss. The movement studies major finished his career playing in 27 games and started in every game this season.
"Roger is a guy who demonstrated tremendous work ethic day in and day out which really showed up on game day," said defensive coordinator Sam Cummings. "He was a staple in our defense and definitely presented a blue print to our younger guys of how to prepare for and play defense the right way—with attitude and energy. He will be greatly missed."
The Defensive Newcomer of the Year was Kaeleb Stangler (Fr.-Rochester, MN). The John Marshall grad played in nine games this season including a start against UW-La Crosse. Stangler tallied eight tackles (one for a loss) and a sack in his first year for the Blugolds.
"Kaleb is a talented young linebacker who came on strong throughout the year," said Cummings. "He had an opportunity to start in the final game of the season and played like a veteran. We are definitely looking for big things from Kaleb throughout the next three years."
Marco Ortiz (So.-Eau Claire, WI) claimed the Special Teams Most Valuable Player award. The sophomore from Regis High School averaged 15.4 yards in nine returns for the Blugolds, racking up 141 total yards. Ortiz also played on the defensive side of the ball, recording 12 tackles.
"Marco proved to be worthy of special teams MVP by providing consistent, energetic and productive play on all our units," said head coach Todd Glaser. "His energy was contagious and we are looking forward to him leading our special teams units next fall."
The Special Teams Newcomer of the Year award went to kicker Bryce Widmark (Fr.-Wausau, WI). Widmark averaged 2.4 kickoffs per game for 127.8 yards (54 yards per kickoff). The freshman was also one-for-one on field goal attempts, converting on a 36-yard field goal against UW-Whitewater.
"Bryce provided a consistent presence as our kicker and continued to get better each practice," said Glaser. "His future is bright and with a great off-season will provide outstanding play as our kicker."
The Blugolds will kick off the 2015 season at home against St. Thomas on September 5th at 6 p.m.
