November 11, 2003

Fairviews Brad Hurtig shares Division V

Defensive Player of the Year honor.

 

 

    Linebackers Eric Weber of Tinora and Brad Hurtig of Fairview shared the Division V Defensive Player of the Year honor.
 
    Weber and Hurtig were two of the top tacklers in the six-county area. Weber, who started at defensive tackle as a freshman before moving to linebacker, led all area players in tackles with 169 in the regular season in helping the Rams to the playoffs for the second straight season.


    Brad Hurtig completed an amazing senior season with 111 tackles and one sack for the Apaches after missing most of his junior year losing parts of both arms in an industrial accident the previous summer.

    “Any adjective you can use toward Brad Hurtig is warranted,” said Fairview coach Bob Olwin. “He’s such a fantastic indivdual. To do what he’s been able to do is extremely gratifying to us as coaches but also a credit to him and everybody involved, his coaches and teammates for pushing him.

    “What a great kid to overcome so many obstacles and adversities. To have 111 tackles playing with pads on your arms is amazing. Not being able to grab individuals, you’ve got to be able to make a solid hit with your shoulder pads, it makes it a lot harder to do.”

 
    Fairview receiver Mike Mack, Liberty Center lineman Wade VanSickle and Archbold kicker Mike Zimmerman were other first team selections while Archbold had two defenders on first team in linebacker Phil Baden and back Nick Cameron. Liberty Center two-way back Curt Silveus was also first team in the secondary while Evergreen quarterback/defensive end Brent Simon was first team at punter after averaging 40.7 a punt.

    Follow Up: Be sure and check out the chat session that ESPN held with Brad Hurtig on May 17th 2004 at   ESPN Chat session with Brad Hurtig, May 17th