Jan. 8, 2003

Allendale, Mich. - The Grand Valley State football program continues to pull down national awards following the school's first-ever football national championship. Head football coach Brian Kelly was most recently named the American Football Coaches Association Division II Coach of the Year it was announced at a banquet Tuesday evening in New Orleans, La. In addition, Curt Anes, David Kircus, Keyonta Marshall and Dale Westrick were named First-Team All-American Tuesday by Daktronics, Inc. Reggie Spearmon, Orlando Williams and Scott Mackey were named to the second-team. Anes, Kircus and Westrick were selected to the first-team for the second straight year.

Kelly has guided GVSU to 104-34-2 (.750) record during his 12 years as head coach. In addition, Brian has led the Lakers to five GLIAC titles and five NCAA Division II playoff appearances. GVSU is 33-1 in its last 34 games, the lone loss coming in the 2001 title game.

Anes, the 2002 Harlon Hill Award winner, led the nation in pass efficiency rating (176.6) for the second straight year. He threw 47 TD passes and just six interceptions, passing for 3,692 yards in the 14-game unbeaten season. Kircus hauled in 77 receptions for 1,341 yards and an NCAA all-division single-season record 35 TD receptions. Kircus also set a DII single-season record for points scored (212). Westrick, the 2001 Offensive Lineman of the Year, was a key figure in Anes getting sacked just nine times on the year. Dale anchored the offensive line from his left tackle position. Marshall, who was the only sophomore listed on defensive first or second team, led all defensive linemen with 79 total tackles, including 23 tackles for loss.

Spearmon, a senior, rushed for 1,500 yards and 21 TDs from his running back position. Williams, a linebacker, led the team in tackles with 94, while Mackey, a free safety, ranked second with 87.

Grand Valley State claimed the Division II National Championship with a 31-24 victory over Valdosta State (Dec. 14) in Florence, Ala.