With this being the last week of classes for Ball State University students, it is time to hand out some hardware (winners won't actually get hardware unless some people have trophies they feel like donating to the cause). Before we start, we first must set the guidelines for how players, coaches and teams still playing will be evaluated. For the sports in season, where teams sit in standings or statistical ranks will be taken as if it were the end of the season. For example, a team in first place will be treated as a Mid-American Conference champion. So without further ado, let's spread our wings and fly like a Cardinal.
Player of the Year: Dean Anna
The popular pick is undoubtedly Nate Davis, and while what he did last season on the football field was remarkable, he isn't the most deserving. Davis was outperformed at his own position by a player in the MAC. Dan LeFevour at Central Michigan won the player of the year award in football and was a big reason his team beat Ball State at Scheumann Stadium in October. Meanwhile, no one has outshined Dean Anna on the diamond. He leads the conference in runs scored, extra-base hits, slugging percentage and walks. He is second in home runs, doubles and triples and is fourth in on-base percentage. Next year promises to be even better as this is Anna's first year playing Division I baseball.
Honorable Mention: Nate Davis, Patrick Durbin.
Play of the Year: Brandon Crawford blocked field goal
With the score tied 31-31 defensive end Brandon Crawford blocked a field goal attempt by the U.S. Naval Academy's kicker Matt Harmon as time expired, sending the game into overtime. The Cardinals eventually won the game 34-31.
Worst Play of the Year: Nate Davis interception
With just more than nine minutes of play left at Nebraska, Ball State held a 37-28 lead. Then came a second-down play that resulted in an interception return for a touchdown by Nebraska's Bo Ruud. The Cornhuskers went on to win 41-40.
Game of the Year: Football vs. Navy
While Navy isn't a BCS conference team, it is a prominent program on the national scene. The win was one of seven on the season for the Cardinals who needed every one to get a berth to the International Bowl. Navy went 8-5 last year, including a win over Notre Dame University two months after losing to Ball State, thus raising the question would Ball State have beaten the Irish last year.
Honorable Mention: Men's basketball vs. Georgetown; Men's volleyball vs. UCLA.
Coach of the Year: Michelle Salmon
For the second season Salmon led the only soccer team on campus to a MAC championship. The Cardinals went 13-5-2 this year, including 9-1-1 in the conference. Following the season, Salmon was hired away by Big East member Cincinnati.
Honorable Mention: Joel Walton; Brady Hoke.
Freshman of the Year: Kolbrin Vitek
Vitek has done everything right in his first year of college baseball. He has the lowest ERA among starting pitchers at Ball State at 4.63 and has a record of 5-0. On the days he doesn't pitch he fills the designated hitter slot in the lineup and feeds on opposing pitchers. He's hitting .315 with a .411 on-base percentage this season.
Honorable Mention: J.D. Gasparovic;Kristina Anderson; Malik Perry.
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