PITTSBURG, Kan. – Seven ACU Wildcats were named to the Don Hansen's Football Gazette 2009 NCAA Division II all-Super Region Four team, which was released Wednesday.
Senior offensive tackle Tony Washington, sophomore fullback Justin Andrews and sophomore defensive end Aston Whiteside were each named first team all-region, while junior offensive guard was named to the second team all-region team. Linebacker Kevin Washington, safety Tony Harp and return specialist Kendrick Johnson were each named third team all-region.
Last month, Washington was voted first team NCAA Division II all-America by both Daktronics and the American Football Coaches' Association, while Whiteside was voted second team all-America on the Daktronics team.
Earlier this season, Washington was voted the LSC South Division Offensive Lineman of the Year for the second straight season. He was also voted first team NCAA Division II Super Region Four on the Daktronics team selected by the region's Sports Information Directors.
A finalist for the 2009 Gene Upshaw Award, Washington has already accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Fla.
Whiteside – a first team all-LSC South Division selection in 2009 – was among NCAA Division II leaders in both sacks (9.5) and tackles for loss (14.5) in 2009. He was the LSC South Division Pre-Season Defensive Player of the Year entering the 2009 season after an all-conference selection as a freshman in 2008.
A punishing lead blocker, Andrews didn't carry the ball, but did finish fourth on the team with 23 catches for 240 yards and three touchdowns. He was a first team all-LSC South Division selection in 2009.
Washington had 76 tackles, while Harp finished with 74 . Washington – a first team all-LSC South Division selection – was also third on the team with 11.5 tackles for loss. Harp -- a two-time first team all-Lone Star Conference South Division selection and the 2006 LSC South Division Freshman of the Year – was second on the Wildcats in tackles in 2009 with 74, including 44 solo stops. Harp also finished with two interceptions, five pass breakups and seven passes defended.
Johnson was a first team all-LSC South Division return specialist in 2009, finishing with 24 punt returns for 370 yards (15.4 yards per return) and two touchdowns. He also caught 26 passes for 264 yards and two scores and had 68 yards rushing on 12 carries.
