2009 NAC football awards announced
WAUKESHA, Wis. -- The Northern Athletics Conference has announced the awards for the 2009 football season, as voted on by the conference's head coaches. Included are First and Second All-NAC Teams, honorable mention selections, an eight-member All-Sportsmanship Team and the four individual awards of Defensive Player, Offensive Player, Freshman and Coach of the Year.

Lakeland's Jacob Heinemeyer and Concordia Chicago's Mike Marotta were named Co-Offensive Players of the Year, Aurora's Mike Budzinski was named Defensive Player of the Year, Benedictine's John Alessi and Wisconsin Lutheran's Zach Shaw were named Co-Freshmen of the Year, and Co-Coaches of the Year were Lakeland's Kevin Doherty and Concordia Chicago's Lonnie Pries.

Heinemeyer, a senior wide receiver from Shiocton, Wis., has totaled 803 receiving yards and nine touchdowns for the NAC champions. His 140.4 average of all purpose yards per game leads the conference.

Junior quarterback Mike Marotta (Brookfield, Ill./Riverside-Brookfield) led the league with over 3,000 yards passing for a 308.7 per game average. His 153.9 pass efficiency and 26 touchdown passes were also NAC bests.

Budzinski, a senior linebacker from Minooka, Ill., tallied a league best 104 tackles, including 40 solo, for the Spartans (4-6, 2-5 NAC). He also had 2.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries.

Alessi (Tinley Park, Ill./Andrew) was the top freshman running back with 686 rushing yards and four touchdowns for the Eagles (6-4, 5-2). His 76.2 rushing average was second best in the conference.

Shaw (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) led the Warriors to their best conference finish at 4-3, and tied the program's best overall finish at 5-5. The quarterback threw for 1,141 yards and 16 touchdowns in his rookie season for the NAC's third best passing efficiency at 116.2.

Doherty led the Muskies (6-4, 6-1) to the NAC title and spot in the NCAA Division III Football Championship tournament.

[complete listing of awards]

Northern Athletics Conference, Sports Information Department, November 20, 2009.