Football Honors 2002 Seniors and Names Award Winners at Annual Banquet
12/9/2002 9:56:28 AM | Football
Quarterback Troy Nunes (Butler, Pa.) was recognized with the Joe Alexander Award for excellence in football, scholarship and citizenship. Nunes started the final five games of the season, leading SU to a 3-2 mark. In 2002 he completed 115 of 198 passes for 1,337 yards and threw eight touchdown passes. Nunes finished his SU career in the top four on almost every passing category, including second in career completion percentage. He ranks fourth on SU's career records lists for passing yards (4,578), completions (362), attempts (618) and passing yards per game (120.5). The only SU quarterbacks ahead of Nunes on the record lists are Marvin Graves (1990-93), Donovan McNabb (1995-98) and Don McPherson (1983-87).
The Ben Schwartzwalder Award for exemplary football player went to wide receiver David Tyree (Montclair, N.J.), who averaged 70 plays per game this season, including as a receiver and playing on three of five special teams units. Tyree caught 36 passes for 559 yards and recorded 20 tackles on special teams, which led that unit.
Punter Mike Shafer (Sarasota, Fla.) was named the Joe Szombathy Special Teams Award winner for his efforts as SU’s punter and kickoff specialist. Shafer exits SU as the all-time leader in punts (249) and punting yards (10,073) and tied for fourth in punting average (40.5 yards per punt). In 2002 he averaged 39.2 yards per punt and had 23 punts downed inside the 20. His punting yards ranks third in BIG EAST conference history.
Fullback Chris Davis (Tampa, Fla.) received the Duffy Daugherty Award as the player's player and the coaches' player. Davis provided excellent blocking for SU’s tailbacks, including Walter Reyes, who set a school record for the most rushing touchdowns in one season. Davis also had 31 carries for 85 yards and one touchdown.
The Ray Martino Award for loyalty, enthusiasm and perseverance went to free safety Maurice McClain (Elizabeth, N.J.) for his remarkable return from injury. McClain broke his lower leg in late April and was SU’s starting free safety by the end of October. In SU's final five games, he posted 24 tackles, including 21 solo stops. McClain intercepted a pass in the third overtime to secure SU's 50-42 victory against eighth-ranked Virginia Tech.
Offensive tackle Erik Kaloyanides (Reading, Mass.) received the Pat Miller Award for outstanding athlete, student and citizenship. Kaloynides was the lone senior for an offensive line that paved the way for SU’s backs to gain 2,265 yards.
Cornerback Will Hunter (Chester, Pa.) received the Coach "Mac" Award for intensity, focus, effort and attitude. Hunter led SU with three fumble recoveries and had 78 tackles, which ranked fourth on the team. Hunter also had nine pass breakups and one interception.
Strong safety Keeon Walker (Hoboken, N.J.) was recognized with the Mark Hoffman Award as the most outstanding back. Walker had the best season of his career, with 88 total tackles, including 70 solo stops, which tied SU's single-season record for solo tackles by a defensive back. Twelve of Walker's tackles were for a loss of 49 yards, including two sacks. He also forced five fumbles and blocked a kick.
