Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Football celebrates 2008 Valley Football Championship season
02/07/2009 | 12:00:00 | Football
Feb. 7, 2009
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill.-The Southern Illinois University football team celebrated its 2008 Missouri Valley Football Conference Championship season at the SIU Student Center Saturday.
Approximately 400 were in attendance to honor the Salukis at their annual banquet, hosted by this year's MVFC and American Football Coaches Association Region 4 Coach-of-the-Year Dale Lennon.
The program began with a special tribute to the 2008 Salukis who finished 9-3 overall, won a share of the conference title and made their sixth-consecutive NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoff appearance.
Presentations of team awards, a triumphant farewell to the seniors and a highlight video were also part of the event.
RB Larry Warner earned the Toughest Saluki, Harry Bobbitt Spirit and Tony Bleyer Most Valuable Offensive Player awards. ILB Brandin Jordan was named Most Valuable Defensive Player, Kyle Walker garnered MVP honors on special teams and WR Marc Cheatham was Newcomer of the Year.
2008 Saluki Football Award-Winners (Voted on by the team)
Most Valuable Offensive Scout: David Lewis
Most Valuable Defensive Scout: Joe Okon
Most Valuable Offensive Lineman: Aaron Lockwood
Most Valuable Running Back: Larry Warner
Most Valuable Receiver: Damian Sherman
Most Valuable Defensive Lineman: Chris Arthurs
Most Valuable Linebacker: Brandin Jordan
Most Valuable Defensive Back: Korey Lindsey
Newcomer of the Year: Marc Cheatham
Most Improved Player: Damian Sherman
Most Valuable Special Teams Player: Kyle Walker
Toughest Saluki (presented by former SIU quarterback Nick Hill)
Larry Warner
Tony Bleyer Most Valuable Offensive Player (presented by Rocky Bleyer)
Larry Warner
Tony Bleyer Most Valuable Defensive Player (presented by Rocky Bleyer)
Brandin Jordan
Harry Bobbitt Spirit Award
Larry Warner
