Jan. 28, 2003

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State's all-american combination of QB Curt Anes and WR David Kircus proved to be the best of the best in division II football over the last two years. The pass-catch duo led Grand Valley State to a pair of Division II National Championship appearances, including a 31-24 win in the 2002 title game.

Anes and Kircus have now taken their talents to the division I level in postseason all-star games and have proven to be up to the challenge. Anes participated in the East-West Shrine game and the Florida Gridiron Classic, while Kircus competed in the Paradise Bowl and will play in the Hula Bowl Saturday (Feb. 1). Laker head coach Brian Kelly is an assistant coach in the Hula Bowl.

Anes completed 6-9 passes for 116 yards and one TD in the East-West Shrine game. The East won by a 20-17 margin. Anes played the third quarter and one drive of the fourth quarter. He drove his team down inside the 20-yard line of the West twice, including his four-yard TD pass to tight end Michael Lee (Mississippi State). The Harlon Hill winner completed 9-14 passes for 116 yards in the Gridiron Classic last Saturday (Jan. 24). Anes' late game heroics continued as Team Florida tied the game late in the fourth quarter. Team USA received a punt with 50 seconds left and Anes led his squad 36 yards for a game-winning field goal (20-17) with 14 seconds left. On his first drive, Anes drove his team down to the one yard line before a fumble by a running back and on his second drive Curt drove his team down for a field goal that gave Team USA a 17-3 lead. In two games, Anes completed 15-23 passes for 232 yards and one TD. He led his teams to three scoring drives in six opportunities.

Kircus turned in a stellar performance at the Paradise Bowl in St. George, Utah last Saturday (Jan. 24). Kircus caught five passes for 145 yards and two TDs as his East team claimed a 36-31 win. Kircus' TD receptions covered 76 and five yards. David will play in the Hula Bowl with Laker head coach Brian Kelly roaming the sidelines as an assistant coach. The game can be seen live on ESPN Saturday (Feb. 1) at 9 p.m.