Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Football celebrates 2009 season with end of the year banquet
02/13/2010 | 12:00:00 | Football
Feb. 13, 2010
By Jason Clay
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois football team commemorated its 2009 Missouri Valley Football Conference Championship season Saturday at the SIU Student Center with its annual banquet.
Head coach Dale Lennon honored the 2009 seniors and award winners in a humorous presentation to about 400 people in attendance.
Included in his presentation was a video with highlights from season where Southern Illinois went 11-2, reached the playoffs for the seventh-straight season and finished the year ranked No. 6 in the country.
Chancellor Samuel Goldman, City of Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole and Director of Athletics Mario Moccia all gave speaches to the team thanking them for their efforts both on and off the field.
Senior running back Deji Karim and senior linebacker Brandin Jordan were named the 2009 Tony Bleyer Most Valuable Offensive and Defensive players, respectively.
Saluki Football 2009 Team Awards: (As voted on by the team)
Most Valuable Offensive Scout Team Award: Cameron Fuller
Most Valuable Defensive Scout Team Award: Juan Avila
Most Valuable Offensive Lineman Award: David Pickard
Most Valuable Offensive Back Award: Deji Karim
Most Valuable Wide Receiver Award: Joe Allaria
Most Valuable Defensive Line Award: Chris Arthurs
Most Valuable Linebacker Award: Brandin Jordan
Most Valuable Defensive Back Award: Korey Lindsey
Newcomer of the Year Award: Kyle Russo
Most Improved Player Award: Chris Dieker
Most Valuable Special Teams Player Award: Scott Ravanesi
Bobbitt Spirit Award: Tony Colletti
Toughest Saluki Award: Deji Karim
Tony Bleyer Most Valuable Offensive Player: Deji Karim
Tony Bleyer Most Valuable Defensive Player: Brandin Jordan
Team Captains:
Deji Karim
Brandin Jordan
Ryan Patton
Ryan Kernes
