2016 Postseason Awards - Ibuki Ogasawara

Senior kicker/defensive back/multi-sport athlete Ibuki Ogaswara was named this year's recipient of the scholar-athlete award.  This is only the second-year we've awarded this, and Ibuki definitely fits the criteria.  He's been named to the Dean's List several times and has been named Academic All-Conference every year he's been eligible.

On the field, Ibuki has grown from someone who was just learning the game to our starting kicker and a solid option at defensive back.  He is also an all-conference performer in track and field, as both a pole vaulter and a triple jumper.  Ibuki has already secured a position with Amazon.  Starting  in the United States this summer, Ibuki will then return home and work for Amazon Japan starting late in the fall.  Congrats on all you've accomplished so far Ibuki, and best of luck the rest of this spring!

2016 Postseason Awards - Carson Dunn

Junior Carson Dunn was named the winner of the Troy Barboza Most Courageous award.  Troy played at Grinnell in the mid-80's, and upon graduating had taken up a career in law enforcement in Hawaii.  In October of 1987, Barboza was scheduled to testify as part of a large undercover sting operation, when he was murdered by another drug dealer.  The Pioneers have honored the memory of  the fallen officer by naming a Most Courageous player each year.

Based on his service to the campus community, as well as his play on the field, Carson Dunn made for a worthy recipient of the Barboza award.  Carson is a member of Grinnell SALSC (Student-Athletes Leading Social Change), he presented at the Apple Conference and to the Grinnell College community on ways to use student-athletes to promote sexual respect, and he was voted a team captain in December.  On the field, Carson was arguably the most versatile player we had this past year.  He took snaps at tight end, running back, slot receiver, quarterback, kick returner, and (believe it or not!) cornerback.  We're hoping he'll be able to focus his efforts on a single position this year, but Carson rushed for 371 yards and 2 td's, including two 100-yard rushing performances, and caught 28 passes for 262 yards and another score.  He also averaged over 18 yards per kick off return and recorded 12 tackles on kick and punt coverage.  Carson was obviously very busy last year, and the courage and determination with which he played was evident to all on his own team, as well as his opponents.  He is a worthy recipient of the Troy Barboza Most Courageous award.

2016 Postseason Awards - Jeff Keele

The Service Award is named for long-time Dining Services worker Lyle Bauman, who passed away in the spring of 2014.  Lyle used his role in Dining Services to become a friend to all, impacting all he came in contact with.  His entire working career was dedicated to our students; connecting with them, helping those in need, and bringing a smile to the face of all.  I'm not doing him justice, but Lyle epitomized service, and beginning in the fall of 2013 we felt it appropriate to honor him by presenting a service award to the Pioneer who most epitomized his approach to life and service.

Sophomore defensive end Jeff Keele has been named the 2016 Lyle Bauman Service Award winner.  Keele is the Student Athlete Mentor for our team, has aided greatly in organizing on-campus visits and hosting recruits, has been a major participant in several football-specific and department-wide service projects, and has been named as one of our captains.  His attitude and work ethic have helped him develop into a fine defensive player, and his tireless work on campus and within the team have made him a valuable asset.  Thanks for all you do Jeff!