Washington State University Athletics
Seniors Recognized at Cougar Football Banquet
March 11, 2016 | Football
PULLMAN, Wash. -- The Washington State University football team held its annual banquet Thursday evening at Martin Stadium.
Sophomore quarterback Luke Falk was named the Team MVP after a season in which he led the nation in passing at 380.5 yards per game, while ranking first in the Pac-12 in total offense (370.9) and second in the conference in passing touchdowns (38). Falk guided the Cougars to come-from-behind victories at Rutgers and Oregon, against Arizona State, at No. 18 UCLA, along with a Sun Bowl victory over Miami. He was also named one of 15 “Players to Watch” for The Walter Camp Football Foundation 2015 Player of the Year.
Junior Gabe Marks was named the Offensive MVP while junior Shalom Luani garnered Defensive MVP honors. Marks led the Pac-12 with 104 receptions and 15 touchdowns en route to All-Pac-12 First Team honors while Luani totaled 91 tackles, a team-leading four interceptions, including ones at Oregon and the Sun Bowl to seal Cougar victories.
Sophomore Erik Powell was named the Special Teams MVP as he amasses 109 points on the season, third-most all-time at WSU, and capped his season by being named the Sun Bowl Special Teams MVP.
Senior tackle Joe Dahl received the Mike Utley Award, given to the offensive lineman of the year. Dahl anchored the Cougar offensive line en route to Second-Team All-America and First-Team All-Pac-12 honors. Senior defensive lineman Destiny Vaeao was awarded the Leon Bender Award as the defensive lineman of the year. Vaeao collected 12 tackles-for-loss and 4.5 sacks on his way to Second-Team All-Pac-12 accolades.
Senior linebacker Kache Palacio was named the recipient of the Tim Petek Strongest Man Award. Palacio recorded 32 tackles, 25 solo, 10.0 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2015 and finished his career with 16 sacks, 10th all-time at WSU. Junior linebacker Parker Henry was awarded the Randal Simmons Award, named in honor of the former Cougar and Los Angeles SWAT team member who was killed in the line of duty in 2008. Henry recorded 71 tackles, fourth on the team, with 6.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack and one interception.
Wide receiver Dom Williams and safety Taylor Taliulu were named co-recipients of the Laurie Niemi Award, given to the senior who best depicts the courage and attitude of former Cougar assistant coach Laurie Niemi. Linebacker Ivan McLennan was given the Frank Butler Award, which goes to a senior member of the team who exemplifies the Cougar spirit made famous by Spokane booster Frank Butler. The Cougar Inspiration Award, known as the Fred Bohler Award, was presented to defensive lineman Darryl Paulo for displaying the inspiration of former athletic director and head basketball coach Fred Bohler.
Senior offensive lineman Gunnar Eklund was the recipient of the Captain's Award for Offense with senior linebacker Jeremiah Allison receiving the Captain's Award for Defense. Both awards are presented for showing exceptional leadership throughout the season.
The Cougars ended their 2015 season with a 9-4 record, the most wins since the 2003 season, capped with a 20-14 Sun Bowl victory over Miami.
SENIOR AWARDS
Laurie Niemi Award (Cougar Attitude) - Dom Williams & Taylor Taliulu
Frank Butler Award (Cougar Spirit) - Ivan McLennan
Fred Bohler Award (Cougar Inspiration) - Darryl Paulo
TEAM AWARDS
Team MVP - Luke Falk
Leon Bender Award (Defensive Lineman of the Year) - Destiny Vaeao
Mike Utley Award (Offensive Lineman of the Year) - Joe Dahl
Tim Petek Award (Strongest Man Award) - Kache Palacio
Offensive Most Valuable Player - Gabe Marks
Defensive Most Valuable Player - Shalom Luani
Special Teams MVP - Erik Powell
Randal Simmons Award (Coaches Award) - Parker Henry
Offense Captain Award - Gunnar Eklund
Defense Captain Award - Jeremiah Allison
