Dec. 8, 2006

Senior defensive lineman Mike McFadden was named to the Gene Upshaw Award final eight. The second annual Gene Upshaw Award is awarded to the top lineman in Division II and is presented by The Manheim Touchdown Club. McFadden was named the innaugural Gene Upshaw Award winner a year ago.

McFadden has started 11 games on the season and racked up 49 total tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss (-44), 5.5 sacks (-32), and recovered two fumbles on the year. A two-time GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year honoree, McFadden has tallied 218 tackles in his career and a Division II record 34.5 sacks (-200). McFadden tied an NCAA all-division mark by recording a sack in 17 consecutive games, dating back to the last game of the 2004 season, every game in the 2005 season and the first three of the 2006 campaign. McFadden has recorded a sack in 23-of-last-29 games for the Lakers.

Joining McFadden as finalists for the award are:
Heath Benedict, OT, Newberry College
Jason Capizzi, OT, Indiana (Pa.)
Robert Duncan, C, North Carolina Central
Robbie Klinetobe, OG, Chadron State
Tim McCutheon, C, California (Pa.)
Chris Morton, C, South Dakota
Ryan Waters, DE, Northwest Missouri State

The 2006 Gene Upshaw Award winner will be announced next week as the voting is scheduled to wrap up on Tuesday, Dec. 12.