Feb. 2, 2002

Manhattan, Kan. - Seniors Josh Scobey, Ben Leber and Jon McGraw earned the Most Valuable Player honors on Saturday as the Kansas State football program held its awards ceremony at McCain Auditorium.

Scobey, who became the single-season rushing leader at K-State in 2001, was the Most Valuable Player on offense. Leber, a linebacker who led the team in tackles, and McGraw, who was second in both tackles and interceptions, shared the MVP honors on defense.

McGraw, a first-team selection for the Verizon Academic All-America honors, also earned the Wildcats' annual Scholar-Athlete Award.

Return specialist Aaron Lockett and long snapper Neil Gosch shared the Special Teams Player of the Year honor. Nick Warren was voted the most improved offensive player in 2001, with Terence Newman and Terry Pierce sharing the most improved defensive honor.

The football program also announced an appreciation award given to Bob Krause, K-State vice president for institutional advancement. Distinguished alumni awards were given to Veryl Switzer and Sean Snyder.

2001 K-State Football Team Awards

Overachiever Award (top freshman in strength and conditioning) - Matt Butler

Red Raider Award (top contribution on scout squad) - Travis Wilson and Jeff Schwinn Scholar-Athlete Award - Jon McGraw

Purple Pride Award (walk-on displaying quality play, leadership and work ethic) - Brian Lamone and Lance Kramer

Ken Ochs Courage Award - Brandon Clark and Josh Buhl

Kevin Saunders 'Never Give Up' Award - Rock Cartwright

Bob Cope Memorial Award (senior walk-on displaying character, determination and unselfishness) - Chad Wallerstedt

Nancy Bennett Memorial Award (representing fight, spirit and positive nature) - Nick Leckey

Anthony A. Bates Memorial Award (promoting team unity and unselfishness) - Jeremy Milne and Tank Reese

Joan Friederich Award (representing team concept through unselfishness and commitment) - Aaron Lockett

Jim "Shorty" Kleinau Award (representing loyalty, hard work and commitment) - Andy Klocke

Most Improved Defense Player - Terence Newman and Terry Pierce

Most Improved Offensive Player - Nick Warren

Outstanding Defensive Front Player - Ben Leber

Outstanding Offensive Lineman - Andy Eby

Special Teams Player of the Year - Aaron Lockett and Neil Gosch

Most Valuable Player-Defense - Ben Leber and Jon McGraw

Most Valuable Player-Offense - Josh Scobey

--ksu--