The first Skyhawk Football Awards banquet, under the direction of head coach Matt Griffin, was held Saturday night in the Student Life Center on campus.

Seven awards were presented to players who excelled in a particular area on the field or in the classroom.

The Bob Caroll Academic Excellence Award was given to junior quarterback and team co-captain Brady Wahlberg.

The Panama City native has a 3.82 cumulative grade-point average, is on the Dean’s List, the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll, has received the UTM Biology Department’s Academic Excellence Award, and was one of six 2004 OVC Student Athletes of the Year.

“Academics have always been an important part of my life,” said Wahlberg. “Thank you (to the team) for electing me captain. It really meant a lot to me and I worked very hard to be a leader on and off the field.”

The Gary Doble Senior Leadership Honor was awarded to a player who, according to defensive coordinator Mark Lister, “has been an inspiration to myself and the entire team.”

Senior linebacker, John Castillo, was grateful for his award and was optimistic about the Skyhawks’ future.

“I learned a lot from each and every one of you,” Castillo told his team. “I feel this program is capable of winning the OVC within the next couple of years.”

Junior offensive linebacker Jody Wamble received the Julian Nunamaker Most Improved Player Award.

Presented by offensive coordinator Mickey Fein, Wamble was described by his coach as someone who “worked as hard as anyone and never complained about one thing on or off the field.”
Wamble had several thanks to give as he accepted the trophy. First to head coach Matt Griffin, who Wamble said gave him a chance when no one else would.

He also thanked UTM, for “allowing him (Wamble) the chance to earn a college degree and realize the dream of playing college football.” The next award was given to the special teams player that “layed out and got dirty every week,” according to linebackers coach Dwayne Wilmot.

Junior cornerback Jason Coleman, who said he felt honored to even be considered, received the Col. Henry Ruth Special Forces Award for his performance on the field, being the team’s leading punt and kick-off returner.

For his pummeling of a Tennessee State player during the game in Martin Sept. 9, sophomore Mark Wheeler was given the Desi Collins Big Hit of the Year Award.

It was evident from the reaction from the crowd during the video presentation of the nominees that Wheeler had won the award. Wheeler, the 6-foot-1-inch, 180-pound defensive back, beat out players who outweighed him by more than 50 pounds, including Castillo.

Last, but not least, were the two big awards of the night: the Bobby Fowler Most Valuable Offensive and Defensive Player Awards. The offensive MVP was someone who was described by Coach Fein in two words --- determination and accountability. This player had zero fumbles the entire season and was named the first ever OVC Freshman of the Year.

Running back Donald Chapman accepted his award, and instead of making a speech, in an impressive display of humility, simply asked his offensive line to stand up.

The crowd applauded his teammates and Chapman walked off stage, allowing his line to take the praise.

The defensive award went to the player who led the OVC in both total tackles and forced fumbles.

Sophomore linebacker Markeseo Jackson, who was also chosen by Fein as the Skyhawks’ first-round pick in the Best Dressed Draft, accepted his honor with an emotional speech.

“I have to thank God for this opportunity,” said Jackson. “We take too many days for granted. Playing football is a blessing.”

“I know we’ve been going through a rough time and haven’t been winning as much, but next year is a big year, and I’m ready to go with (the team).”

“We’re a family,” said Griffin, wrapping up the ceremony. “Not just the guys in the locker room now, but the guys who came before and the guys who will come after.”

“We’ve built this program on character,” he said. “It’s the only way to get ahead, and that’s the Skyhawk advantage. Character.”