Monday night the Sioux City Bandits celebrated the closing of an amazing whirlwind season with an awards banquet at the Tyson Event Center. Ending the season 11-3 with the first CIF Champions Bowl trophy, the Bandits not only took numerous league awards such as Erv Strohbeen, Coach of the Year; Charles Dowdell, League MVP; Freddie Bruno, Co-Special Teams Player of the Year; and organization awards Fan Base of the Year and Media Relations of the Year, but presented team awards as well as recognizing those who have helped make a successful season possible.
Managing General Partner Bob Scott started off the awards with a very special thank you to the fans who are always there and always supportive of the team and the players. Their active, and at time very loud, participation in the Champions Bowl held Saturday night made all the difference in the world and reminded the players of why they work so hard to do what they do. Without the fans, there would be no Sioux City Bandits.
Other special thanks went out to the players who have worked so hard all year. This fan-friendly, community-conscious team has worked together on and off the field, making everyone affiliated with the Bandits organization very proud. The coaching staff has worked hard all year, building a team, coaching players, watching numerous hours of film and creating an atmosphere of winning.
The Tyson Event Center staff, led by Glenn Walinski, has always had the Tyson up and running, sometimes working all night to convert it from a hockey rink to football field. The support and not only willing but eager help they offer not only on game day but throughout the entire season is invaluable to the success of the Bandits.
Game day staff, led by Melanie McNamara, keeps all game day operations running smoothly. All special groups, sponsor packages, promotions and events are organized and successfuly executed by Melanie and her capable staff and interns.
All online media is organized and run by Wendy Ohl. From Facebook and Twitter to the website, anything that goes on the internet, her dedication to the Bandits doesn't start and stop when the season does. She works hard on making the team look good in the media and online.
Wes Jones has not only been a long-time friend of Bob Scott, but has been the Team Chaplain since the second year of Bandit's history. He travels with the team, and not only acts as warm-up partner for any teammate that needs him too, but is available any time someone needs to talk.
Annette Torgerson and Carla Johnson at Fan Accommodations work behind the scenes to support game day promotions, drawings and events as well as manage the design, purchase and sale of merchandise on game day.
Andy Scott has worked hard this year on not only managing current sponsors but also signing and organizing many new sponsors for the 2015 seasons. Without the support of community sponsors, the Bandits organization couldn't stay afloat for long.
Leona Scott is not only Bob's mother, but also makes sure checks are printed and paperwork for the team organized and current. No one appreciates paychecks on time more than the players, and she never disappoints.
Receiving Staff Member of the Year is Tony Payne. Keeping uniforms and equipment in good repair and looking good takes countless hours of work, and Tony works with his father to ensure the team has what they need to be successful on the field. Tony very well may be the only equipment manager who keeps a sewing machine at hand to repair uniforms and make quick changes on uniform name tapes when needed.
Each year a Bandit is selected for the award of Bandit Team Player. This award is given to the individual who spends time in the community at events, autograph signings, participating in parades and spending time working with the young fans. Darius Barnes is this year's recipient of this award with countless hours volunteering and stepping up with last-minute requests.
The four youngest members of the Bandits staff were recognized for the work they do every game day. Carson and Jayce are always at the ready each and every game day as water boys. Abe and Ike work diligently to keep accurate stats to support the coaching staff on game day.
The 9th Man Award this year was given to Deb Hale for being not only a long-time fan of the Bandits but an avid supporter of the team and players as well.
Team awards were announced tonight with Charles Dowdell also taking Bandits Offensive Player of the Year. teammate Rahn Franklin, Jr received Defensive Player of the Year; Richard Daniel, Defensive Rookie of the Year; Brett Schlote and Willie Downs, Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year; Marlon Lobban, Most Improved Player and Freddie Bruno taking Team MVP.
In addition to the team awards, individuals were recognized for statistical performances within the league. Marlon Lobban was third in the league in tackles with 105 total tackles for an average of 7.5 tackles per game. Willie Downs led the league in yards per catch with a whopping 19.3 average yards per catch. He was also seventh in the league in receiving yards with 49.4 per game. He totaled 23 receptions for nine touchdowns for the season. Brett Schlote played left tackle on a line that gave up only ten sacks on the season ranking them second in the league. He also helped pave the way for the number two rushing attack in the league. Richard Daniel, despite limited action on the defensive line, finished 11th in the league in sacks and 12th in tackles for loss. Daniel played multiple positions effectively to help the Bandits win the 2015 title. Charles Dowdell, CIF MVP, ranked first in pass efficiency with a rating of 117.1. His other totals were an astounding 64.9% completion rate, 45 touchdowns, only nine interceptions and 2128 yards passing. Rahn Franklin Jr topped the league with 30 total passes defended, 11 interceptions, 19 passes broken up. Freddie Bruno, CIF Special Teams Co-Player of the Year, ended his season leading the league with seven kick returns for touchdowns. He was number two in the league in scoring with 31 touchdowns and 14.3 points per game. Bruno was also fourth in all-purpose yards with 124.5 yards per game.
As the lights are turned off at the Tyson Event Center, friends say so long for now, and the 2015 season comes to a close, there is the promise of tomorrow, of a strong beginning on a 2016 season, and the Champions Bowl trophy to remind us all what can be accomplished when you work hard and work together toward a common cause.
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Champions Indoor Football
