I'm sure EMU will cover this more thoroughly on their website. A lot of team awards were given out at the banquet...I didn't keep track of them all. Here are a few I remember (many are voted on by the players themselves):

Beydoun was awarded Team MVP.

Van Hoeven was recognized for his personal example, leadership on the O-Line and academic excellence (4.0 GPA).

Ramirez received several team awards, primarily for his inspirational work ethic and embodying the "Be Different" theme.

Odukoya received the Torchbearer Award (this is either a Creighton selection or a coaches selection) for the player who best embodies team leadership. This is the second year in a row for Thomas, but it was not formally presented last year because there was no banquet. The plaque for this award hangs in CC's office.

Huchinson received the award for being a true example of being a Team Player. CC acknowledged that Hutch faced a difficult season in stepping aside for Bryant, but that through it all Hutch remained positive and contributed in any way he was asked.

The Lending Tree Bowl was announced prior to the banquet. The Banquet opened with a Lending Tree rep on Zoom addressing the team and congratulating them on being invited.

The coaches and team were very upbeat about the Bowl, and are taking the opportunity for an eighth win quite seriously. CC posed the challenge to send the seniors out with a Bowl victory.

As Captains, Odukoya and Rush addressed the team and referenced achieving a goal Van Hoeven has of hoisting and kissing a bowl trophy. It's obvious the players are envisioning what it will mean to win this game.

Overall the team and coaches seem very focused on bringing a second Bowl trophy back from Mobile. CC stressed that a victory would be the ultimate wrap to their "Be Different" season.

(12-05-2021 10:04 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  I'm sure EMU will cover this more thoroughly on their website. A lot of team awards were given out at the banquet...I didn't keep track of them all. Here are a few I remember (many are voted on by the players themselves):

Beydoun was awarded Team MVP.

Van Hoeven was recognized for his personal example, leadership on the O-Line and academic excellence (4.0 GPA).

Ramirez received several team awards, primarily for his inspirational work ethic and embodying the "Be Different" theme.

Odukoya received the Torchbearer Award (this is either a Creighton selection or a coaches selection) for the player who best embodies team leadership. This is the second year in a row for Thomas, but it was not formally presented last year because there was no banquet. The plaque for this award hangs in CC's office.

Huchinson received the award for being a true example of being a Team Player. CC acknowledged that Hutch faced a difficult season in stepping aside for Bryant, but that through it all Hutch remained positive and contributed in any way he was asked.

The Lending Tree Bowl was announced prior to the banquet. The Banquet opened with a Lending Tree rep on Zoom addressing the team and congratulating them on being invited.

The coaches and team were very upbeat about the Bowl, and are taking the opportunity for an eighth win quite seriously. CC posed the challenge to send the seniors out with a Bowl victory.

As Captains, Odukoya and Rush addressed the team and referenced achieving a goal Van Hoeven has of hoisting and kissing a bowl trophy. It's obvious the players are envisioning what it will mean to win this game.

Overall the team and coaches seem very focused on bringing a second Bowl trophy back from Mobile. CC stressed that a victory would be the ultimate wrap to their "Be Different" season.

Cid, as always thank you. This is great insight and confirms what we all likely want to hear. I'm pumped the guys want to desperately win this. Also, pumped for Beydoun and Hutch who are so easy to root for. (sidenote not related to this thread...Is Ben Bryant coming back next yr?)

Seniors like Odukoya, Big Mike and even Rush are huge for us. Winning this bowl game would be the greatest win we have seen in a while.

Indeed, great to hear this stuff. Thanks, CID!

(12-05-2021 10:04 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  I'm sure EMU will cover this more thoroughly on their website. A lot of team awards were given out at the banquet...I didn't keep track of them all. Here are a few I remember (many are voted on by the players themselves):

Beydoun was awarded Team MVP.

Van Hoeven was recognized for his personal example, leadership on the O-Line and academic excellence (4.0 GPA).

Ramirez received several team awards, primarily for his inspirational work ethic and embodying the "Be Different" theme.

Odukoya received the Torchbearer Award (this is either a Creighton selection or a coaches selection) for the player who best embodies team leadership. This is the second year in a row for Thomas, but it was not formally presented last year because there was no banquet. The plaque for this award hangs in CC's office.

Huchinson received the award for being a true example of being a Team Player. CC acknowledged that Hutch faced a difficult season in stepping aside for Bryant, but that through it all Hutch remained positive and contributed in any way he was asked.

The Lending Tree Bowl was announced prior to the banquet. The Banquet opened with a Lending Tree rep on Zoom addressing the team and congratulating them on being invited.

The coaches and team were very upbeat about the Bowl, and are taking the opportunity for an eighth win quite seriously. CC posed the challenge to send the seniors out with a Bowl victory.

As Captains, Odukoya and Rush addressed the team and referenced achieving a goal Van Hoeven has of hoisting and kissing a bowl trophy. It's obvious the players are envisioning what it will mean to win this game.

Overall the team and coaches seem very focused on bringing a second Bowl trophy back from Mobile. CC stressed that a victory would be the ultimate wrap to their "Be Different" season.

Thanks for the banquet summary, CID!

Thanks for all your updates throughout the season. Very much appreciate it.

Dear cidbearit,
The football banquet used to be called the Football Bust, and was open to the paying public. To me, they were a great way to increase the public to Eastern football.
Do you, or does anyone, know why it is not what it used to be?

(12-06-2021 10:11 AM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear cidbearit,
The football banquet used to be called the Football Bust, and was open to the paying public. To me, they were a great way to increase the public to Eastern football.
Do you, or does anyone, know why it is not what it used to be?

I'm guessing that it's a capacity issue. With players, coaches, and families, the Eagle Crest ballroom was packed. There had to be 40 plus tables there with 8 at a table. I would love to see it open to the public, but I don't think the facility could accommodate much more.

Dear cidbearit,
Does anyone pay to be there? That was the way, in the past, that the Bust was covered as far as expenses are concerned.
As far as size is concerned, there are always larger venues available.

(12-06-2021 03:34 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear cidbearit,
Does anyone pay to be there? That was the way, in the past, that the Bust was covered as far as expenses are concerned.
As far as size is concerned, there are always larger venues available.

For the families, it's $25 per person. You could also sponsor a player for $25, but I don't think they are charged. I have no idea about the coaches, but I'd guess they don't have to pay for themselves, but might have to pay if they bring a guest.

Dear cidbarit,
Thanks for the information. Maybe the university should ask if the public would like to sponsor a player or two.
I would, and if you got enough, then any extra could maybe go to funding of the players scholarships.

(12-06-2021 04:53 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear cidbarit,
Thanks for the information. Maybe the university should ask if the public would like to sponsor a player or two.
I would, and if you got enough, then any extra could maybe go to funding of the players scholarships.

I would sponsor a player by buying a ticket. Does this mean that not all.players are invited to the game, similar to a road game?

(12-06-2021 05:07 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 04:53 PM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear cidbarit,
Thanks for the information. Maybe the university should ask if the public would like to sponsor a player or two.
I would, and if you got enough, then any extra could maybe go to funding of the players scholarships.

I would sponsor a player by buying a ticket. Does this mean that not all.players are invited to the game, similar to a road game?

All the players are invited and do attend. They also acknowledge each player by class and present them with a certificate. Any sponsorships apparently just underwrite the cost for the players.