K-State Football Celebrates 2003 Season With Awards Ceremony
Feb 08, 2004 | Football
Sproles, the nation’s leader in total rushing during 2003 with 1,986 yards and
On defense, Buhl was given the not as the squad’s MVP after recording a K-State record and Big 12 leading 184 tackles from his outside linebacker spot.
Brite, who averaged nearly 42 yards per punt, including a career-long 69 yarder, was named Special Teams Player of the Year.
On the academic side, senior guard Ryan Lilja, a CoSIDA second team Academic All-American and a first team Academic All-Big 12 selection, received the Wildcats’ annual Scholar-Athlete award. A second team All-Big 12 choice by The Associated Press and the league’s coaches for his outstanding performance on the field, the senior also shared the Ken Ochs Courage Award with defensive tackle Justin Montgomery.
Gary Spani, K-State’s all-time leading tackler and the school’s only member of the College Football Hall of Fame, received the distinguished alumni award.
2003 K-State Football Team Awards
Overachiever Award (top freshman in strength and conditioning) Logan Robinson (OL)
Red Raider Award (top contribution on scout squad) Rashaad Norwood (TE), Alax Carrier (DE), Allan Webb (QB)
Scholar-Athlete Award Ryan Lilja (OL)
Purple Pride Award (walk-on displaying quality play, leadership and work ethic) - Lance Kramer (FB), Lee File (DE)
Ken Ochs Courage Award Ryan Lilja (OL), Justin Montgomery (DT)
Kevin Saunders 'Never Give Up' Award Thomas Hill (TE)
Bob Cope Memorial Award (senior walk-on displaying character, determination and unselfishness) Travis Horchem (DB)
Nancy Bennett Memorial Award (representing fight, spirit and positive nature) - Nick Leckey (C)
Anthony A. Bates Memorial Award (promoting team unity and unselfishness) Victor Mann (FB)
Joan Friederich Award (representing team concept through unselfishness and commitment) Darren Sproles
Jim "Shorty" Kleinau Award (representing loyalty, hard work and commitment) Jeff Schwinn (QB)
Most Improved Defense Player Ted Sims (LB)
Most Improved Offensive Player Brian Casey (TE)
Outstanding Offensive Lineman Nick Leckey (C)
Special Teams Player of the Year Jared Brite (P)
Most Valuable Player-Defense Josh Buhl (LB)
Most Valuable Player-Offense Darren Sproles (RB)
