MW FOOTBALL: Linder, Bluejay players receive conference honors

WORTHINGTON — The Minnesota West football team finished above .500 in 2012.

The Bluejays, who ended up 3-6 during 2011, posted a 5-4 mark this season.

The two-game improvement landed Minnesota West head coach Jeff Linder a postseason honor. He has been named the Minnesota College Athletic Conference Southern Division Coach of the Year.

“(This award) means a lot to me and a lot to my team,” Linder said. “I was honored with a special award, but there other people involved that share in the award. My assistant coaches, who have done an outstanding job helping me prepare the team every year, and the players, who played so well this year and did what they were supposed to do. I’m extremely proud of all of my guys.”

The Bluejays were 5-3 overall and 1-3 against the Southern Division during the regular season. Southern Division and MCAC Tournament champion Central Lakes ousted Minnesota West from the postseason in a 21-0 decision Oct. 20 during the league quarterfinal round.

Linder was thankful for the love and support his team receives from its extended families.

“Something that is often missed is that football sometimes takes us away from our families,” Linder said. “They are a big part of our support system.”

Four Bluejays have been selected to the MCAC All-Southern Division first team: DL Tavaras Poindexter, sophomore; WR Rex Johnson, sophomore; LB Matt Shively, freshman; and DB Michael Knight, sophomore.

Five Minnesota West players landed on the MCAC All-Southern Division second team: K Tyler Smith, freshman; LB DeAndre Ulmer, freshman; LB Dylan Hart, freshman; TE Zelius Morrow, freshman; and OL Aaron Arauco, sophomore.

Five Bluejays earned MCAC All-Southern Division honorable mention: OL Ale Tewes, freshman; DL Brandon King, sophomore; LB Cha’Ron Thompson, freshman; QB Logan Massop, freshman; and WR Calvin Davison, sophomore.

Tags: minnesota west sports, sports, football