The Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Mideast League announced their season awards on Friday. Several Cardinals received honors including two coaches aand 13 players. Highlighting the Cardinals honors were Joshua Schumacher (Coach of the Year), Matthew Strzalkowski (Assistant Coach of the Year), and Alex Hinojosa (Co-Defensive Player of the Year).
After securing their first MSFA Mideast League championship and fourth consecutive bid to the NAIA Football Championship, the Cardinals were individually honored for their accomplishments. Head Coach Joshua Schumacher was named Coach of the Year for the second time in his fourth year as the head coach of the Cardinals. This honor also comes on the heels of Schumacher being recognized as the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) NAIA Region 2 coach of the career. Schumacher led the Cardinals to their first undefeated regular season (5-0) and first conference championship. Schumacher has posted a 32-8 mark overall as a head coach of the Cardinals and is 17-0 at Cardinal Stadium.
Matthew Strzalkowski serves as the Cardinals Co-Defensive Coordinator as he tag teams responsibilities with Coach Schumacher on the defensive side. Strzalkowski has been instrumental in the team's defensive efforts as the unit has been among the most productive in the MSFA and NAIA. This season the Cardinals rank 9th overall in the NAIA in total defense with 264 yards per game. Through five games this season, the Cardinals have totaled 6 interceptions this year.
Alex Hinojosa repeated as a member of the first-team while as picking up additional recognition as the Co-Defensive Player of the Year. Hinojosa anchored the Cardinals defensive line totaling 24 tackles. He also recorded one sack and had five tackles for a loss which totaled 17 yards. He also posted one interception on the season. Hinojosa recorded MSFA Mideast League Defensive Player of the Week honors once this season and four for his career.
Joining Hinojosa on first team from the defensive side of the ball was defensive back Ryan Fish. The senior standout returns as an honoree after being named to the honorable mention team as a sophomore. Fish was second on the team in total tackles with 32. He forced a fumble and also recorded an interception. Fish also broke up a team leading five passes with several coming in the team's crucial moments to secure wins over ranked opponents. Fish earned Defensive Player of the Week honors once this season.
Luis Gomez earned his way onto first team honors as a kicker. The freshman standout recorded two game winning field goals for the Cardinals this season. He totaled a team leading 24 points for the Cardinals. Gomez earned MSFA and NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week on March 22nd after recording a 35 yard field goal in overtime to secure the Cardinals 17-14 win over Taylor.
Caleb Muxlow and Luke Wilson were the Cardinals first team members on the offensive side. Muxlow earned his way onto the first team as a senior offensive lineman. Muxlow has anchored the offensive line for a couple years now show is versatility playing multiple positions. Muxlow started every game at center this season leading the Cardinals under first year coordinator Jonathan Coddington. Wilson has made significant strides during his time as a Cardinal leading to a breakout senior season. In his four regular season games he was second on the team with 8 receptions totaling 90 yards and recorded a touchdown. He also played an essential role in the Cardinals run game with his blocking abiliites from the tight end position.
The Cardinals placed five on second team all-conference with all receiving first time honors from the MSFA. Keviontae Brown (running back), Parker Graham (wide receiver), and James Williams (offensive line) were recognized for their contributions on the offensive side of the ball. Andrew Foerster was honored as on the second team as a defensive lineman. Foerster earned his first career MSFA Defensive Player of the Week honors on March 29th after his performance in the team's impressive win over Madonna. Casey Rauch also earned second team recognition for his role as the team's punter. Rauch earned MSFA Special Teams Player of the Week twice while also picking up NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week as well.
Conner Long, Hunter Maynard, and Collin Vaughn were also recognized for their efforts as members of the MSFA honorable mention team. All three were instrumental on the defensive side of the ball. Long and Maynard were contributors at defensive back and linebacker respectively. In his first year as a Cardinal, Vaughn made an immediate impact on the defensive line.
