Bowen Named MVP at Banquet

AMES, Iowa ? Two-time all-Big 12 linebacker Alvin “Ace” Bowen, was presented with the Pete Taylor MVP Award as the 2007 Iowa State football team's most valuable player at the Cyclone Football Awards Ceremony Saturday night at the Gateway Hotel.

Bowen led Cyclones in tackles for the second straight season with 99 stops. The senior was also the team leader in tackles for loss (12.5) and forced fumbles (5). The East Orange, N.J. native, who led the nation in tackles in 2006 also earned the Al and Dean Knudson award as the team's outstanding defensive player for the second straight season, sharing the award with senior nose guard Athyba Rubin of Pensacola, Fla., who made 42 tackles in 2007. Bowen was recognized as a team captain and received the Ralph Aulmann award for captains with quarterback Bret Meyer and wide receiver Todd Blythe.

Meyer of Atlantic was given the Ennis Haywood Award as a major contributor on the field who was also the best possible ambassador for Iowa State off the field. Meyer finished his career with Iowa State school records of 10,422 yards in total offense and 9,499 passing yards. He ranks third on the all-time Big 12 Conference chart in both categories.

Blythe received the Ray Scott Award as the team's best offensive player. The senior from Indianola ended his career with school records of 176 catches for a record 3,096 yards and record 31 touchdowns. Meyer and Blythe combined for a school record 28 touchdown passes over the last four years, the second-best scoring tandem in Big 12 history.

The Durwood “Dury” Moss Award for the outstanding newcomer went to offensive lineman Doug Dedrick. Dedrick, a sophomore, started every game this season.

Senior tight end Ben Barkema was given the Rueben J. Miller Award as the Cyclone player whose conduct on and off the field has brought honor and distinction to the university. Hailing from Muscatine, Barkema finished his career with 52 catches for 566 yards and four touchdowns.

Kelechi Osemele, a freshman offensive lineman was named the offensive scout team player of the year. Fellow Houston, Texas, native and lineman Jerod Black was recognized as the team's defensive scout team player of the year. Senior placekicker Bret Culbertson of Des Moines, who finished his career ranking tied for fifth in Iowa State history in scoring, earned the Jim Doran Award as the team's best special teams player.

The Bill Dailey Award, given annually to the player who has made a great contribution to the team with little public recognition went to senior Bryce Braaksma of Sheldon. Braaksma played a big part in Iowa State's improved performance against the rush and finished his career with 47 tackles and five sacks. Braaksma also received the Arthur Floyd Scott Award as the Cyclone football player whose work ethic, commitment, and leadership by example demonstrate the characteristics and qualities of the ISU football strength and conditioning program.

Players Mentioned

Ben Barkema

Ben Barkema

Todd Blythe

Todd Blythe

Bryce Braaksma

Bryce Braaksma

Bret Culbertson

Bret Culbertson

Doug Dedrick

Bret Meyer

Bret Meyer

Kelechi Osemele

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