Although the Javelinas did not advance to playoffs this season they brought home plenty of honorable mentions, academic awards and Lone Star Conference (LSC) athlete of the year awards from the LSC awards ceremony. More than 20 athletes on the team were recognized this year for their outstanding season. Senior defensive back Amos Coleman was honored LSC Defensive Back of the Year for the second year in a row; Coleman put remarkable stats throughout this season that did not go unnoticed. “Winning this award again means a lot to me, especially knowing all the work that I’ve put in over the years,” Coleman said. “I do have to compliment my position coach who has helped me become the player that I am today. I think I’ve set the standards in the best way for other defensive backs who may choose to play for TAMUK.” Following his award for the first time, freshman Eti-Ini Basset was awarded Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year. Bassey came into this season hoping that the hard work and dedication he put forth would not go unnoticed this Fall. “I was not expecting this at all, it caught me by surprise,” Bassey said. “Receiving this award made me want to go harder and keep getting better, as long as I keep faith in the process and keep grinding. I feel like my future is bright for me and I could potentially earn an All-Conference title down the line.” More than 15 other Javelinas received honorable mentions for showing out on the field this season, recipients were offensive linemen Juan Quezda, Troy Billman and Julio Cuello. Tight end Walker Ring, wide receiver Nate Dantley,and running backs CJ Odem, Christian Anderson, and Rojer Hagen were also honored. On the defensive side of the ball for honorable mentions recognized were Doug Brooks and Demarcus Hendricks, corner backs Keon Clary and Jeff Lavarin, safety Darian Mayberry, punter Dillon Bredesen and lastly long snapper Jordan Estes. “I think it’s a really cool thing for our guys to get recognized for the work that they put in and their performance on the field,” Coach Jaxson Money said. “I believe it raises the standards of what we’re trying to do as a program, our guys know it means something to be a Javelina and seeing their teammates win it aspires the whole team to do the same.”Sophomore Luke Shaffer was named LSC All-Academic ending his season with a 4.0 GPA. Shaffer was the one of the few Javelinas who maintained this season with a GPA this high. “We try to put a huge priority on our guys about winning in the classroom in our program because academics come first Luke did a great job being recognized for that and a lot of our guys are doing the same,” Coach Money said. The Javelinas are proud of each of their accomplishments they have made this season and continue to work even harder with the season being over. They will now have Spring Ball during the Spring semester and then prepare for their next Fall season.
