Kutztown football announces annual awards

KUTZTOWN, PA (December 29, 2009) – The Kutztown University football team announced its 2009 awards as voted on by the players.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Kevin Morton (Abington/Abington) was named the overall team most valuable player. Morton started the Golden Bears’ final seven games of the season. He threw for 1,921 yards and 15 touchdowns. Morton completed 55.3 percent of his passes and energized the KU offense by throwing for 300 or more yards in two of his last three games.

Senior defensive back Mike Gardier (Dunmore/Dunmore) and junior linebacker Joel Irwin (Coatesville/Coatesville) were named co-defensive MVPs. Both players were named to the all-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division second team. Gardier made 53 tackles, 36 solo, while playing in nine games. He forced and recovered one fumble and broke up three passes. Irwin led the Golden Bears in tackles with 92. He also had 54 solo stops. He also added 10.5 tackles for loss, while recording one quarterback hurry and two pass breakups.

Senior running back Dontay Wilson (Stamford, CT/Stamford) was named the offensive MVP. Wilson led the Golden Bears in rushing yards (735), rushing touchdowns (four), attempts (140) and yards per game (68.2). Wilson finished his career with 2,173 yards, which is sixth all-time in KU football history. He rushed for more than 130 yards in two games and had a season-long 77-yard touchdown run in the season-opening win over Saint Anselm.

Junior kicker Matt Dineen (Wilmington, DE/Concord) was named special teams MVP. Named to the all-PSAC East Division first team, Dineen is the KU single-season record holder for field goals made with 17. He shattered the school career-record with 35 field goals over the past three seasons. Dineen also set a school record by kicking five field goals in a victory over Cheyney.

The captains, as elected by the team, were Morton, Gardier, junior offensive lineman Jared Haas (Linglestown/Central Dauphin), senior linebacker David Cressman (Sellersville/Pennridge) and senior wide receiver Shane Martin (New Holland/Garden Spot).

The Jody Cwik Memorial Award went to junior lineman Jake Thierjung (Bensalem/Bensalem). The award is for the player most respected by teammates for his on and off the field contributions to the program. Thierjung moved from tight end to the offensive line at the beginning of the season.