Jan. 11, 2004

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The Olson brothers, wide receiver Andy (So., Chehalis/W.F. West) and middle linebacker Lann (Sr., Chehalis/W.F. West), were named the Western Washington University Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively, at the annual Vikings' football banquet Sunday afternoon at the Best Western Lakeway Inn.

In addition, their parents, Paul and Dalene Olson, received the Chet Ullin Memorial Viking Spirit Award.

Middle linebacker Brett Thompson (Sr., Auburn/Auburn-Riverside) picked up both the Coach Terry Todd Most Inspirational and Senior Scholar-Athlete awards as well as being one of four team co-captains receiving plaques. The others were Lann Olson, fullback Nyle Chambers (Sr., Sumner) and quarterback Josh Shimek (Sr., Pasco).

Chambers also received the Charles Lappenbusch Memorial Coaches Award.

Offensive guard Jon Pagan (Sr., Los Angeles, CA/El Segundo) was the Offensive Lineman of the Year, and defensive tackle Nick Ball (Sr., Olympia) was the Defensive Lineman of the Year.

The Special Teams Player of the Year was kickoff returner Jake Carlyle (So., Olympia/Capital), and outside linebacker Taylor Hutton (Sr., Salado, TX) received the Lou Parberry Strength Award.

Redshirt freshman tight end Johnny McDonald (Vancouver/Hudson's Bay) was the Freshman Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Two true freshmen who redshirted in 2003, strong safety Brandon Elliott (Auburn/Fife) and wide receiver Chris Robinson (Lakewood/Clover Park), were the Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year and Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year, respectively.

Western won the Great Northwest Athletic Conference championship, its fourth league title in five years.