MONROE — WisSports.net recently announced its Senior Football Awards Preseason Watch List.
The preseason list will be trimmed down to 25 semi-finalists halfway through the year, with five finalists chosen at the start of the playoffs. Winners are announced the week of the state finals.
The John Anderson Award is presented annually to the state’s top senior linebacker. The award is named after John Anderson, a former Waukesha South standout who went on to star at the University of Michigan and later with the Green Bay Packers.
● Nathan Fuchs, Monroe
● Maddox Goebel, Darlington
The Tim Krumrie Award is presented annually to the state’s top senior defensive lineman. The award is named after Tim Krumrie, a former Mondovi and University of Wisconsin athlete who would go on to star in the NFL for 12 seasons, including two Pro Bowl appearances.
● Talan Crist, Darlington
● Brady Stietz, Black Hawk-Warren
The Joe Thomas Award is presented annually to the state’s top senior offensive lineman. The award is named after former Brookfield Central and University of Wisconsin athlete Joe Thomas, who has gone on to great success in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns. After an All-American career at UW, Thomas was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl ten times.
● Charles Anderson, Pecatonica-Argyle
The Al Toon Award is presented annually to the state’s top senior wide receiver or tight end. The award is named after former University of Wisconsin athlete Al Toon, who went on to play in the NFL for several very successful seasons before multiple concussions ended his career early. Toon is an active member of the community in the Madison area both in the business world and in various charitable endeavors.
● Ike Waage, Pecatonica-Argyle
● Tony Wolf, Monroe
The Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch Award is presented annually to the state’s top senior running back. The award is named after former Wausau High School athlete Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch, who went on to play for the University of Wisconsin and the University of Michigan before starring at end in the NFL for 12 seasons. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the National High School Hall of Fame, and later went on to serve as Wisconsin’s athletic director from 1969 to 1987.
● Ben Gatdula, Monroe
● Owen Seffrood, Black Hawk-Warren
● Ryker Swenson, Belleville
The Dave Krieg Award is presented annually to the state’s top senior quarterback. The award is named after former D.C. Everest and Milton College athlete Dave Krieg, who went on to play 12 seasons in the NFL and ranked in the Top 15 all-time in most passing categories at the time of his retirement.
● Gabe Bockhop, Brodhead-Juda
● Eli Schliem, Black Hawk-Warren
