Coleman’s Co-Defensive POY Award Headlines 15 WPU Honorees
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–Resean Coleman (So., River Rouge, Mich., Exercise Science) made camp in opponents’ back fields this fall and his efforts led him to the biggest of William Penn’s 15 awards as the all-Heart of America Athletic Conference football teams were announced Friday.
The program collected 15 total accolades in the North Division, including six on the first team, six on the second team, and three on the honorable-mention team. Six of WPU’s student-athletes received a laurel for the second time in their career.
The honorees helped the Statesmen to a 7-4 record (3-2 North), highlighted by a season-ending win over then-#6 Grand View last Saturday.
Coleman topped the squad by being named Co-Defensive Player of the Year, sharing the accolade with Shaq Wells of Grand View. It is the first time WPU has had a top award-winner since 2009 when Dale Woods was also a Co-Defensive POY.
FIRST TEAM
Coleman was unquestionably one of the best pass rushers in not just the Heart, but the entire NAIA. He finished the year with 58 tackles (30 solos, 28 assists), including 18 stops for a loss of 108.5 yards. The sophomore sacked the opposing quarterback 12 times for 97.5 yards, while also forcing two fumbles this year.
Within the conference, Coleman ranked second in sacks and third in tackles for loss; his total yards for loss is first in the entire Heart. Nationally, he is third in sacks and seventh in tackles for loss.
Coleman helped William Penn finish as one of the top defenses in the NAIA, including ending the regular season ranked second with just 240.8 total yards allowed per contest. WPU was also fourth with both 151.4 passing yards per game and 155 first downs allowed, while being fifth with both 89.5 rushing yards permitted and a 29.3% opponent third-down conversion rate. The program ranked eighth with 32 sacks and 10th with 18.7 points allowed per outing as well.
It is Coleman’s second career laurel and his first on the top squad.
Fellow defensive lineman Anthony Jackson (Jr., Detroit, Mich., Physical Education) joined Coleman on the first team. His first career award came after posting 55 tackles (23 solos, 32 assists), including 14 for a loss of 77.5 yards. He tallied 5.5 sacks for 54 yards and recovered one fumble (returned for a touchdown).
Jackson ranked sixth in the Heart in tackles for loss and fifth in total yards lost.
Linebacker Mason Wisse (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Physical Education) is back on the first team for the second time. He led William Penn with 80 tackles (46 solos, 34 assists), highlighted by 16 tackles for loss (68.5 yards). The junior also had six sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.
Within the Heart, Wisse ended the season fourth in tackles for loss, sixth in yards lost, and ninth in sacks.
Quarterback Tyler Wood (So., Newton, Iowa, Education) garnered his first recognition, earning the nod in the Athlete category. He won his first award after posting 612 passing yards (28-for-59) with eight touchdowns and 500 rushing yards (128 rushes) and four TDs. He ranked 10th in the conference with both 50.0 rushing yards and 61.2 passing yards per game.
Haydn Stender (So., Brigham City, Utah, Psychology) guided the offensive linemen crew with his first career laurel. The sophomore helped the navy and gold to rank 10th in the nation with 256.5 rushing yards per game.
Punt returner Jeremiah Benson (So., Kansas City, Mo., Physical Education) wrapped up William Penn’s first-teamers. He took 16 punts back for 229 yards, averaging a league-leading 14.3 yards per attempt.
SECOND TEAM
Benson was also picked for the second team as a wide receiver. Despite playing in a run-heavy offense, he hauled in 14 balls for 409 yards and four touchdowns. Both of his awards are the first for Benson.
Another offensive player receiving his first career laurel was running back Nate Van Veldhuizen (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Mechanical Engineering). The junior captured his second-team honor by rushing 142 times for 545 yards and a 10 touchdowns (all team highs). He finished 2017 ranking ninth in the Heart in both rushing yards and total points (60).
Sione Mafua (So., Salt Lake City, Utah, Undecided) earned his second second-team accolade on the offensive line, while a trio of defensive players were also honored.
Linebacker Winston Green (Sacramento, Calif., Psychology) joined Mafua by also receiving his second nod on the second squad. He posted 31 tackles (19 solos, 12 assists; 2.5 for loss), two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Cornerback Kyle Baldassarre (Sr., Webb City, Mo., Industrial Technology) made it three individuals earning their second spot on the runner-up team. He managed 54 stops (32 solos, 22 assists), including 2.5 for a loss.
Josh Vasquez (So., Draper, Utah, Undecided), also at cornerback, was a first-time winner. The sophomore posted 33 tackles (19 solos, 14 assists; 2.5 for loss) in addition to two interceptions (one returned for touchdown), two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Defensive lineman Cooper Gosch (Jr., Reeds Springs, Okla., Education) brought home his second HM selection, producing 25 tackles (11 solos, 14 assists) with five for a loss of 36 yards. The junior sacked the quarterback 3.5 times for 31 yards.
Running back Carl Sivels (Sr., Washington, Iowa, Sports Management) and offensive lineman Nick Jackson (Jr., Broken Arrow, Okla., Biology) each were named to a postseason squad for the first times in their careers. Sivels carried the ball 37 times for 295 yards (8.0 avg.) and two touchdowns.
Jordan Knock of Grand View was awarded the North’s Offensive Player of the Year award. Mike Woodley (GVU) was chosen as Coach of the Year, while Fran Johnson (Benedictine) was picked as the Assistant Coach of the Year.
