TAMPA, Fla. – The Sun Conference announces its specialty award winners for the 2024 football season.
David Hayes of St. Thomas has earned the title of
Offensive Player of the Year. Hayes, who also received the
Receiver of the Year award, leads the conference with 14 touchdowns this season, ranking fourth nationally. He has surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark, amassing 1,042 yards so far, with an average of 104.2 yards per game—seventh-best in the nation.
Tai Lologo of Keiser has been named
Defensive Player of the Year. A cornerstone of the Seahawks’ defense, Lologo appeared in eight games, starting three, and recorded 22 tackles during conference play, including three tackles for loss. His efforts have been instrumental in leading a KU defense that allows just 18.2 points per game.
Refeno Vangates of Keiser takes home the
Special Teams Player of the Year award. A First Team All-SUN wide receiver and return specialist, Vangates logged 17 kick returns for 506 yards and one touchdown, averaging 29.8 yards per return—second-best in the SUN.
Mark Robinson of Southeastern is honored as
Freshman of the Year for his exceptional contributions to the Fire's offense. Robinson has started every game at left tackle as a true freshman, establishing himself as a dominant force on the entire SEU offensive line.
Leroy Lopez of Southeastern receives the
Champion of Character award. In addition to being a standout receiver for the Southeastern program, Lopez actively serves his community by speaking at Team Chapel, leading a weekly Bible study on campus, and serving as a student leader in the Department of Spiritual Formation.
William Henry of Southeastern earns the
Assistant Coach of the Year award. As SEU's Defensive Coordinator, Henry has crafted a defense that allows just 10.2 points per game—first in the SUN and third nationally. His defense has conceded only 92 points all season, making Southeastern one of just three schools to hold opponents under a combined 100 points. The Fire also limit their opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards per game and have recorded 13 sacks, nine interceptions, and eight fumble recoveries. Henry’s leadership has helped propel SEU to a 7-2 overall record and a No. 16 final ranking.
Myles Russ of Keiser has been named
Coach of the Year. In his first year as Head Coach, Russ guided the Seahawks to their sixth consecutive berth in the NAIA Football Championship Series and their third straight Sun Conference Championship. Under his leadership, Keiser has been ranked No. 1 in the NAIA all season, achieved the longest winning streak in program history (20 games), and remains one of just three undefeated teams this year.
2024 Sun Conference Football Award Winners
Offensive Player of the Year
David Hayes, St. Thomas
Defensive Player of the Year
Tai Lologo, Keiser
Special Teams Player of the Year
Refeno Vangates, Keiser
Freshman of the Year
Mark Robinson, Southeastern
Champion of Character
Leroy Lopez, Southeastern
Assistant Coach of the Year
William Henry, Southeastern
Coach of the Year
Myles Russ, Keiser
Click here to view all of this year's All-Conference honorees.
ABOUT THE SUN CONFERENCE
Now entering its 35th year, The Sun Conference, a 501c3 organization, continues to be one of the most successful intercollegiate athletic conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Under the guidance of Commissioner Dustin Wilke, the league sponsors championships in 24 NAIA sports. Learn more at thesunconference.com
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