Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Kansas Players Recognized in Big 12 Awards

Kansas State and the University of Kansas football teams both faced challenges during the season. Kansas State posted a 5-7 record for the season losing the last four straight games. Over Thanksgiving weekend KU faced a devastating 38-26 loss to rival Missouri in the Border Showdown at Arrowhead Stadium blemishing a previously undefeated record for the season. Though both overcame hurdles, K-State and KU fans have much to celebrate as the Big 12 Conference announces the 2007 Football Awards.

The Topeka Capital Journal quoted KU head coach as saying, "I mean it when I tell you the credit belongs to our coaches and our players." Big 12 voters disagree giving him the credit as Mangino takes the 2007 Coach of the Year award making him the first coach in Kansas history to receive the honor. He will have to share the award with Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, although this makes the honor no less impressive as he took his team up the polls as high as No. 2 and finished the regular season No. 5 in the BCS rankings.

Mangino makes a valid statement though in giving his players credit as well. Fellow award winners include WR Marcus Herford as Special Teams Player of the Year and James McClinton receiving the Defensive Lineman of the Year award. Four other KU players were named to the 2007 All-Big 12 Football First Team, one offensive and three defensive players.

Kansas State fans also have reason to feel good about the 2007 team as KSU players took both Newcomer of the Year awards for the second time in conference history. Deon Murphy, WR, was named Offensive Newcomer of the Year and Gary Chandler, DB, received Defensive Newcomer of the Year. Three other KSU players were named to the 2007 All-Big 12 Football First Team, one on offense and two defensive players.

To see a list of all 2007 Big 12 award winners see:
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/big12/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/07-big12-awards-fb.pdf

For the Topeka Capital Journal article on Mark Mangino, 2007 Coach of the Year:
http://cjonline.com/stories/112707/bre_coach.shtml