April 16, 2024

Lenox’s Grundman, Miller earn player of the year awards

By CHEYENNE ROCHE

Lenox senior Isaac Grundman catches a deep pass from sophomore quarterback Gabe Funk at their state semi-final loss Wednesday at the UNI-Dome. Grundman was named offensive player of the year for District 9 for the second year in a row. (CNA photo by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

Following the Tigers loss in the state semi-finals Wednesday at the UNI-Dome, a plethora of Lenox players were honored in all-district positions.

Senior Isaac Grundman repeated his title of offensive player of the year. Grundman ranked first in District 9 in all-purpose yards (940), rushing yards (651), total touchdowns (20), offensive touchdowns (18), rushing touchdowns (14) and longest reception for a touchdown (62 yards).

Lenox senior Trayce Miller gets an arm on the Remsen St. Mary's quarterback Wednesday. In addition to being named lineman of the year for District 9, Miller earned a spot on the first team defense at defensive line. (CNA photo by cHEYE)

Senior Trayce Miller’s performance this season earned him the lineman of the year title. Miller was part of an offensive line that helped the Tigers lead the district in rushing touchdowns (35), offensive touchdowns (43), 2-point conversions and passing yards per completion (20.2). They were second in the district in rushing yards (1,500), offensive yards (2,025) and 3rd in rushing yards per carry (6.5).

The Tigers boasted 10 players filling 15 all-district positions. East Union had five players earn awards.

East Union senior Emmett Long (#3) earned a spot on the First Team District 9 Offense as a returner.

First Team District 9 Offense:

Lenox - sophomore Gabe Funk at quarterback, Grundman at running back, Miller at lineman, senior Owen Junker at lineman.

East Union - senior Emmet Long as a returner.

First Team District 9 Defense:

Lenox - Miller at defensive line, senior Kiegan Kitzman at linebacker, Grundman at defensive back and senior Caeden David as utility.

Second Team District 9 Offense:

Lenox - Kitzman at running back and senior Samson Adams at wide receiver/tight end.

Second Team District 9 Defense:

Lenox - junior Dalton Kitzman at linebacker.

East Union - junior Austin Lack at defensive back and junior Josh Lopez as a punter.

District 9 Honorable Mention:

Lenox - seniors Xavier Adamson and Jake Cox.

East Union - juniors Rason Grail and Mike Cooley.

Cheyenne Roche

CHEYENNE ROCHE

Originally from Wisconsin, Cheyenne has a journalism and political science degree from UW-Eau Claire and a passion for reading and learning. She lives in Creston with her husband and their two little dogs.