Dec. 3, 2006
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Freshman running back Craig Garner (Tacoma/Lakes) and senior free safety Todd McClellan (Lacey/Timberline) were honored as the respective Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year at the Western Washington University Football Awards Banquet Sunday at the Best Western Lakeway Inn.
Garner became the first Western player since 1999 to have four consecutive 100-yard games, those coming in the Vikings' last four contests. He finished with a team-best 655 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
McClellan led the North Central Conference in pass interceptions with six, having at least one in each of the Vikings' last three games. Both of those accomplishments were the best by a Western player since 1995. McClellan, who was second on the team with 66 tackles, also had three forced fumbles and three passes defensed.
Redshirt freshman Rick Copsey (Camas) was the Vikings' Special Teams Player of the Year, with senior tackle Brandon Torrey (Graham/Bethel) being the Offensive Lineman of the Year and junior end Ryan Conwell (Kent/Kentwood) named the Defensive Lineman of the Year. Torrey also got the Lou Parberry Strength Award.
Senior wide receiver Kellen Alley (Bremerton) was the Coach Terry Todd Inspirational Award winner. He shared the Captain's Award with Copsey and McClellan.
The Charles Lappenbusch Memorial Coaches Award went to senior Tyler Birkley (Modesto, CA), who saw action at tight end and defensive tackle. Offensive guard Peter Van Datta (Sr., Bremerton/Central Kitsap) was the Senior Scholar-Athlete and redshirt placekicker Josh Lider (Bellevue/Sammamish) the Freshman Scholar-Athlete.
Freshman running back Calvin Williams (Gig Harbor/Peninsula) was the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year and freshman defensive back Zach Schrader was the Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year.
Boosters Kevin Beason and Mark Wolken were co-recipients of the Chet Ullin Memorial "Viking Spirit" Award.
Western finished with a 5-6 record in its first season under head coach Robin Ross, ending the campaign with three straight wins. The Vikings tied for fifth place at 3-5 in their inaugural year in the NCC, which is regarded as one of the nation's top NCAA Division II football alignments.
