Jan. 23, 2001

Football Team Honors Individuals at Annual Banquet

The annual Truman football banquet was held this past Saturday. Awards were presented to individuals who were voted by their teammates as the best at their respective positions.

Offensively, junior quarterback Eric Howe (West Des Moines, Iowa/Dowling) was chosen as back of the year for the second time after leading the league in passing yards (267.7 ypg) and total offense (262.9 ypg) in 2000. He also produced the third-best season passing in MIAA history with 2,945 yards. Howe also now ranks seventh among MIAA career passing yards leaders (6,259) and ninth in career total offense (6,185 yards). He moved into the second spots all-time at Truman in both categories.

The team's receiver of the year award went to junior Kevin Collins (Davenport, Iowa/Assumption). Collins led the squad with nine receiving touchdowns this past season and also caught 44 passes for 687 yards. He was a second-team all-league pick and will finish his career after his junior campaign ranked second on Truman's all-time touchdown reception list (20) and fifth in career receiving yardage (1,519).

Sophomore center Nick Ruud (Moline, Ill.) was selected offensive lineman of the year after starting every game for the Bulldogs. Ruud also earned a spot on the all-MIAA second team.

Sophomore receiver Alfonso Pugh (Galesburg, Ill.) was named most valuable special teams player for his efforts as a kick and punt returner. Pugh was second in the MIAA in kickoff (28.9 ypr) and punt returns (16.4 ypr), scoring two TDs on kickoff returns and one on a punt return. He was an honorable mention all-MIAA selection as a returner as well as a wide receiver.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior Curt Cira (St. Louis/Vianney) was a repeat selection as defensive lineman of the year. Cira was a first team all-conference pick as well as the lone all-America to represent the Bulldogs this season. He charted 53 total tackles and led the team with 12 tackles for losses.

Another player voted MVP at his position in back-to-back seasons was senior defensive back John Naeve (Camanche, Iowa). Naeve contributed 55 total stops and one interception from his free safety position and was an honorable mention all-conference selection. He also represented the Bulldogs at the Cactus Bowl, the annual Division II all-star game, which was held in Kingsville, Texas.

Sophomore Jake Willrich (Grimes, Iowa/Dallas Center-Grimes) was chosen linebacker of the year after leading the squad with 97 total tackles, including five for losses and two sacks. He was also named to the all-MIAA team as an honorable mention selection.

The players also voted for scout team players of the year. True freshman J.D. McCloskey (Omaha, Neb./Creighton Prep) took the offensive honors while true freshman Mike Mowen (Rockton, Ill./Honenegah) was chosen defensively.

The football coaches selected senior defensive tackle Joel Shumate (Bloomfield, Iowa/Davis County) as the recipient of the Derringer Cade award, presented to individuals who persevere, overcome adversity and inspire their teammates. Shumate finished his career with 45 tackles, as well as six for losses and two sacks.

The awards portion of the banquet culminated with the presentation of the four captains for the 2000 season. Cira and Naeve, along with senior offensive guard Josh Raaz (Columbia, Mo./Rock Bridge) and senior defensive end Leo Smith (Monroe City, Mo.) were chosen for the award that many would consider the highest team honor.

Raaz was a first-team all-conference player this year as the only senior starter on offense and was also a second-team all-Midwest region pick. Smith, an honorable mention all-MIAA honoree, tallied 36 tackles as well as seven tackles for losses and a team-high five sacks.

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