Five Bluejays named NAIA All-Americans
With the remarkable 9-2 season the Bluejays had, you had to figure the players who were part of the greatest season in school history would get some recognition.
Not just one, but five were selected as NAIA All-Americans by NAIA coaches.
Heading the NAIA's second team defense was pass-rushing terrorist Chad Duerksen.
Duerksen ended his career as the school's all-time leader in sacks and was named the co-defensive player of the year in the KCAC.
As the Bluejays' leader in 2003, linebacker Eli Kennedy was chosen as an honorable mention selection.
Kennedy will be remembered for his leadership, emotion, inspiration, and intensity.
With a motor that never quit running, there were few tackles Kennedy wasn't in on.
One of Tabor's Achilles' heels was defending the pass.
That still wasn't enough to keep cornerback Jason Phelps from repeating for the third time as an honorable mention selection for the Bluejay defense.
Two players stood out on the Bluejays' high-powered offense.
Tyson Ratzlaff and Tyler Marsh were standouts all four years.
On his way to passing NAIA Hall-of-Famer Rolland (Bay) Lawrence as Tabor's all-time scoring leader, Ratzlaff's dazzling catches earned him honorable mention.
Marsh ended his career as Tabor's leader in total yards receiving while keeping opponents' special teams on their heels with his dangerous returns.
The Bluejays' record-setting season came to an end Nov. 21 after falling to the NAIA runner-up Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers.
The Rangers placed one on the first team, do-it-all utility man Patrick (Slash) Crayton was named to the second team along with receiver Michael Salters.
The Ottawa Braves' KCAC offensive player of the year, Derrick Ward, was selected to the first team as well as being named MVP of the Blue-Gray Bowl.
