Dec. 15, 2006

Florence, Ala. - Senior QB Cullen Finnerty finished in second place for the Harlon Hill Award that was presented Friday evening in Florence, Ala. The Harlon Hill Award is given annually to the top football player in Division II as voted on by the sports information directors of Division II football playing schools. Finnerty finished in second place behind Chadron State (Neb.) RB Danny Woodhead and ahead of third place finisher RB Germaine Race from Pittsburg State (Kan.).

Finnerty, a senior from Brighton, Michigan, has led his team to a perfect 14-0 record and No. 1 ranking entering tomorrow's Division II Championship Game. Finnerty has completed 180 of 310 passes for 2,995 yards and 40 touchdowns to lead Division II in passing efficiency. He has been intercepted only 10 times. During his career he has led Grand Valley State to two national championships and his 50 career wins as a starter makes him the winningest quarterback in the history of NCAA collegiate football. His 45 career games with a touchdown pass is an NCAA record and he ranks third in Division II in career total offense. He is just one of four college football players to pass for more than 10,000 yards and rush for more than 2,000 yards.

The Hill Trophy is named for a former North Alabama player, Harlon Hill, who was a standout with the Lions from 1950-53 before going on to fame in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears. Former Laker great, Curt Anes, claimed the trophy in 2002 as he lead the Lakers to their first championship in school history.