HOME OF BULLDOG FOOTBALL - 28 SCIAC Championships, including 10 since 1990

Earlier this month, the University of Redlands football team hosted its annual banquet to celebrate the success of the 100th season. During the festivities, the coaches presented the players with various awards, including Team MVP, Coaches’ Award, and the team’s players of the year.

After catching a school-record 77 passes for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns, senior wide receiver Brian Putman (Bakersfield, CA) was voted the “Ted Runner” Team MVP. He was also voted Receiver of the Year by his teammates. Earlier this season, he gained All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) First-Team honors and College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America laurels. Earning his first MVP award, Putman enjoyed one of the best seasons ever for a Redlands receiver.

Senior defensive lineman Josh Cunningham (Phoenix, AZ) was honored as the second Redlands Bulldog to win the John Zinda Award, following Danny Ragsdale’s honor in 1998. Cunningham was voted Defensive Lineman of the Year by his teammates and was named a National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American for his work in the weight room. Earlier this season, he gained First-Team All-SCIAC honors as well. He racked up 39 total tackles to go along with a team-leading 13.5 tackles for a loss of 50 yards. He also was credited with five quarterback hurries and three break-ups.

The “Frank Serrero” Coaches’ Award was a split vote between senior defensive lineman Matt Bean (Idaho Falls, ID) and senior fullback Dan Allen (Felton, CA). Bean had four tackles for a loss of 12 yards and 2.5 sacks in just six games at defensive end. After an injury against Whittier College and missing three games, he returned to play most of the Cal Lutheran University game with a soft cast. Although the majority of Allen’s contributions do not show up on the statistic sheet, he served as a devastating lead blocker from the fullback position and on special teams. Allen was also a dominant force in kickoff coverage with five tackles and numerous big hits as the wedgebuster. Due to his amazing effort in the kicking game, Allen was voted Special Teams Player of the Year by the Bulldogs.

Senior offensive lineman Travis McBride (Long Beach, CA) was a big winner at the banquet as well. He led a Redlands offensive line that surrendered just 11 sacks in 352 pass attempts. McBride was named Offensive Lineman of the Year and Most Inspirational by his teammates. Earlier this season, he landed on the All-SCIAC First Team and garnered D3football.com All-West Region honors.

Junior offensive lineman Matt Allen (Memphis, TN) was named Most Improved by the Bulldog football team.

Senior quarterback Dan Selway led the rest of the field of winners. He was voted Offensive Back of the Year for the second time in his career. This year he threw for 2,550 yards and 29 touchdowns while completing 62% of his passes. He also ran for 169 yards and two touchdowns.

Sophomore Ian Sluss (Vista, CA) was voted Linebacker of the Year after leading the team with 76 tackles while recording 12.5 tackles for a loss of 84 yards. It was the second straight win for Sluss, who earned this award as a freshman in 2008.

Sluss’ position-mate, freshman linebacker Jordan Garcia (Carlsbad, CA), was the team’s Rookie of the Year. Garcia had 14 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss of five yards and .5 sacks. He also picked up four quarterback hurries as a true freshman.

After finishing an illustrious career as a four-year starter, senior Jared Fink (El Paso, TX) was named the Defensive Back of the Year. He ranked fourth on the team with 40 tackles, including 9.5 for a loss of 42 yards and 2.5 sacks. In addition, Fink intercepted one pass and made two break-ups. It was the first such award for Fink.