2006 All-KCAC Football Honors

Six named football Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes

Six members of the 2006 McPherson College Bulldog football team were recently named Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes for the 2006 season.

Seniors Brandon Babcock and Ryan Flores were named to the Daktronics NAIA elite squad for a second time. Receiving the scholastic award for the first time were juniors Daniel Farley, Zach Hicks, Jeff Krehbiel, and Brian Weiser.

“We are pleased to have each of these young men named NAIA Scholar-Athletes,” said McPherson College athletic director LaMonte Rothrock. “Their contributions, both on the field and in classroom, are indicative of our students fulfilling the mission of the college ‘to develop whole persons through scholarship, participation, and service'. Our congratulations go out to each of them on receiving this honor.”

Babcock is majoring in Spanish and physical education and was named to the 2005 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete squad. A senior from Placerville, California, Brandon is 2003 graduate of ElDorado High School in Placerville, Calif., and a transfer from American River College in Sacramento, California. Babcock ranked fifth among the Bulldogs in total tackles for the 2006 season from his defensive end spot with 48 total tackles, 30 of which were unassisted. He led McPherson with 10 ½ stops for lost yardage and was credited with two sacks for 17 yards. As a junior, Babcock was credited with 31 tackles, seven for lost yardage, a forced fumble, and a pass broken up.

Flores was previously named to the 2005 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete squad. A member of the Bulldogs starting offensive line from his first day on the McPherson campus, Flores has manned the left guard spot on the offensive line. On the defensive side of the ball, Flores also contributed two tackles, both unassisted, as a senior after being credited with three tackles, two unassisted as a junior. A physical education major, Ryan is a senior from Bermuda Dunes, California. Flores graduated from LaQuinta (Calif.) High School in 2003 before transferring to McPherson from the College of the Desert Community College in Palm Desert, California.

Farley has been one of the anchors of the Bulldogs' interior offensive line the past two years. A junior majoring in secondary education, Daniel is from Wellington, Kansas, and 2004 graduate of Wellington High School.

Hicks was the Bulldogs' second leading tackler in 2006 from his linebacker spot. He was credited with 68 total tackles, 42 of which were unassisted, along with six tackles for loss and two sacks. As a sophomore, Hicks was credited with 104 total tackles, 37 unassisted, 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for lost yardage, two fumbles forced and one recovered. A junior from Hope, Kansas, and 2004 graduate of Hope High School, Hicks is majoring in physical education.

Krehbiel has been a two-year starter at tight end and long snapper for the Bulldogs after transferring to McPherson from Kansas State University for the fall of 2005. This past season he caught five passes for 61 yards as well as three defensive stops. In his first collegiate season, Krehbiel caught nine passes for 79 yards and a touchdown in addition to contributing three tackles on the defensive side. A junior academically from Pratt, Kansas, Jeff is a business administration major. He is a 2004 graduate of Pratt High School.

Weiser was credited with 35 tackles, 15 unassisted, one fumble recovery, and one-half sack form his linebacker spot. As a sophomore, Brian was credited with 24 tackles, six unassisted, and one fumble recovery. A junior from Salina, Kansas, where he graduated in 2004 from Sacred Heart High School, Weiser is majoring in sociology.

Recipients of the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete award must have a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on a 4.00 scale, be a junior or above in academic standings, and been in attendance at the nominating institution a minimum of one full school year.

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Paulson leads McPherson's All-KCAC football selections

McPherson College freshman running back Jeff Paulson was named to the 2006 All-KCAC (Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference) football second team in a recent vote by the conference's coaches.

Receiving honorable mention recognition were seniors Ryan Flores (offensive line), Ene Akpan (defensive back), Josh Wentling (defensive back), Alex Holtry (defensive line), Brandon Babcock (defensive line), and Kris Smiley (utility player) along with juniors Dwight Hale (wide receiver) and Zach Hicks (linebacker).

“We are very proud of all of these young men,” said McPherson College head coach David Cunningham. “They worked hard to earn these awards and they are well deserved.”

“We wish these and our other seniors all great success in the future and look forward to seeing the underclassmen back on the field next year.”

Jeff Paulson, a 2005 graduate of Limon (Colo.) High School and transfer from the University of Northern Colorado, moved into the Bulldogs' starting lineup a mid-season and went on to lead the Bulldogs in rushing with 498 yards on 115 carries. He scored three touchdowns, and led McPherson with 20 points scored. Jeff rushed for a single game high of 133 yards on 27 carries in the Bulldogs' 14-3 win over Bethany, and followed that with 102 yards against the University of Saint Mary, McPherson's only two 100-yard rushing games of the season. Paulson also caught two passes for 43 yards, and returned one kickoff for 20 yards.

“Jeff worked hard to earn a starting role. He demonstrated he has the skills necessary to be a full-time back in the KCAC. Next year should be his year to break out as a feature back.”

A red-shirt freshman, Paulson is a sophomore academically, majoring in business management.

Kris Smiley, a 1999 graduate of Humble (Texas) High School, and a 2003 transfer from Grambling University , ranked ninth in all purpose yardage in the KCAC, averaging 71.7 yards per game. Kris caught returned 27 kickoffs for 496 yards, caught 18 passes for 136 yards, rushed for 51 yards, and returned four punts for 34 yards.

He ranked fourth in the KCAC in kickoff return average at 18.4 yards per return.

As a junior, Kris ranked sixth in all purpose yardage average, 104.7 yards per game. He rushed for 163 yards, had 365 yards receiving, and totaled 519 yards on kickoff returns for a total of 1,047 all-purpose yards, fifth best in the KCAC. Smiley ranked sixth in kickoff return average, averaging 20.0 yards per return on 26 returns. His 519 yards in kickoff returns set a new McPherson College single season record. Smiley was the Bulldogs second ranked rusher, with 163 yards on 38 attempts for a team high average of 4.2 yards per carry. His 365 yards receiving on 21 catches also ranked second among McPherson receivers as did his three receiving touchdowns. Kris tied for second among the Bulldogs with six touchdowns and his 36 points scored ranked third.

Kris was named to the NAIA's honorable mention All-American squad in 2004 as a kick returner after ending the season ranked fourth nationally with a 30.0 yards per return average.

“Kris has been a very versatile player for us during his career here. We just weren't able to get the ball in his hands as much as we would have liked this year.”

Smiley is a senior business management major.

Josh Wentling, a 2003 graduate of McPherson High School and 2005 transfer from Butler Community College , ranked third among the Bulldogs in tackles for the second straight year, garnering 52 stops, 33 of which were unassisted to rank second on the squad. Josh was credited with 2 ½ tackles for loss. He intercepted one pass which he returned 22 yards, three passes broken up, one fumble forced and one recovered.

As a junior, Josh earned All-KCAC honorable mention honors when he was credited with 86 total tackles, and his 37 unassisted tackles tied for the team lead among McPherson defenders. Wentling tied for the team high with three fumble recoveries, returning one for 19 yards. He ranked second with six passes broken up and intercepted one pass.

“Josh brought experience and toughness to the defensive side of the ball in his two years with us. He was third on the team in tackles both seasons. His maturity in the defensive backfield will be missed.”

Wentling is a senior majoring in physical education.

Alex Holtry, a 2003 graduate of Vallivue High School, Nampa, Idaho, earned All-KCAC honors for a third time this fall.  He was moved to defensive end this fall after playing linebacker his first three seasons. He finished the season with 47 total tackles, 29 unassisted. He was credited with five sacks for 31 yards and nine tackles for 52 yards in lost yardage. Alex also forced two fumbles and broke up one pass.

Holtry previously received All-KCAC honorable mention recognition in 2003 and 2005.

As a junior Holtry ranked fourth among Bulldogs with 84 total tackles, 24 of which were unassisted. He posted seven tackles for 16 yards in lost yardage, and one sack. Holtry recovered two fumbles. He broke up one pass and forced three quarterback hurries.

“Alex had another very solid season. He was a four-year starter and will definitely be missed next year.”

Holtry is a senior, majoring in education and computer science.

Jeff Balman , a 2003 graduate of Jetmore High School and transfer from Dodge City Community College , finished the season as the Bulldogs' second leading rusher with 299 yards and one touchdown on 84 carries. Jeff's season high game came in the Bulldogs' opener as he rushed for 72 yards on 18 attempts against Sterling .

“Jeff brought a hard nosed, straight ahead running game, day in and day out. As the season progressed, his role moved to that of more of a blocking back, and he was key to our getting the running game established.”

Balman is a senior political science major.

Ryan Flores, a 2005 transfer from College of the Desert Community College and 2003 graduate of LaQuinta (Calif.) High School, moved into the Bulldogs starting offensive line from day one on the McPherson campus, manning the left guard spot on the offensive line. He earned All-KCAC honorable mention recognition as an offensive lineman in both his seasons as a Bulldogs.  Defensively, Flores also contributed two tackles, both unassisted. Ryan was named a 2005 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

“Ryan was one of our best linemen week in and week out. He is a great student and model ambassador for our program.”

Flores is a senior physical education major.

Ene Akpan , a 2002 graduate of Wichita (Kan.) South High School, transferred to McPherson from Fort Hays State University for his senior season. Akpan led the Bulldog defense with 74 total tackles, and ranked second with 38 unassisted stops. He was credited with two tackles for loss yardage. He ranked second among the Bulldogs with two intercepted passes, which returned for a total of 34 yards, and broke up four passes.

“We haven't had many players come in for just one season like Ene, but he was a nice addition to our defensive backfield. He had the ability to make the big stop, and once he adapted to what we wanted to do defensively, he had several, especially during the final half of the season.”

Akpan is a senior majoring in physical education/health.

Brandon Babcock, a 2003 graduate of ElDorado High School, Placerville, Calif., and transfer from American River College ranked fifth among the Bulldogs in total tackles for the 2006 season with 48 total tackles, 30 of which were unassisted. He led McPherson with 10 ½ stops for lost yardage and was credited with two sacks for 17 yards.

As a junior, Babcock was credited with 31 tackles, seven for lost yardage, a forced fumble, and a pass broken up.

“Brandon really came into his own this season. He was a hard-nosed player, who played smart, disciplined defense.”

Babcock, a 2005 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete, is a senior majoring in physical education.

Harlan “Dwight” Hale, a 2003 graduate of Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., was the Bulldogs' leading receiver, pulling in 36 passes for 401 yards and two touchdowns. Hale's 36 receptions ranked sixth among all KCAC receivers. Dwight also returned three kickoffs for a total of 46 yards, and two punts for five yards.

“Dwight had the ability to make the tough catch. We just didn't get the ball to him enough. Dwight possesses the skills to be one of the top receivers in the KCAC next year.”

Hale is a junior majoring in education.

Zach Hicks, a 2004 graduate of Hope (Kan.) High School was the Bulldogs' second leading tackler. Hicks was credited with 68 total tackles, 42 of which were unassisted. He was credited with six tackles for loss and two sacks.

“Zach came to McPherson having played 8-man football in high school. It took him a while to adapt to the 11-man game, but he came into his own this fall. Zach wasn't as big as some linebackers in the conference, but that didn't stop him from delivering some big hits. He should have a great senior season next year.”

Hicks is a junior majoring in physical education.

CONTACT
Athletic Director
LaMonte Rothrock
Asst. to Athletic Director
Karen M. Caylor
Sports Information
Carol Swenson



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