Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Valparaiso University had five football players named Honorable Mention All-Pioneer Football League as voted upon by the league’s head coaches.  Earning the honor for the Crusaders are Nate Blair (Andrean H.S. [Ind.]), Josh Lynn (Hammond, Ind./Morton H.S.), Nikko Carson (Homer Glen, Ill./Lockport Township H.S.), Anthony Curry (Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville H.S.), and Kyle Himmelwright (Coplay, Pa./Whitehall H.S.).

Blair, a sophomore, started all 11 games for the Crusaders at left tackles this season, helping to anchor the Valpo offensive line.  Lynn, a senior, started 10 games for Valpo at fullback.  He had 20 carries for 63 yards, used primarily in a blocking role.

On the defensive side of the football, Carson, a sophomore, had 43 tackles on the defensive line, including a team-best 11 for loss.  He had five sacks, forced a fumble, and recovered another.  Curry, senior defensive back, made 33 stops and intercepted three passes, giving him 13 for his Crusader career.  Himmelwright, also a senior defensive back, had 38 tackles in his final campaign with the Brown and Gold, and forced a fumble.