Air Force’s remarkable turn around in football this season was recognized today with coach Troy Calhoun and senior receiver/tailback Chad Hall receiving major awards in the Mountain West Conference’s all-conference team announcement.
Calhoun was voted Coach of the Year after leading the Falcons to a 9-3 record and second place in the final conference standings. Air Force was 4-8 in 2006, the final year of coach Fisher DeBerry’s term.
Hall was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year. The 5-foot-8 speedster was a do-it-all player for the Falcons, leading the team in rushing, pass receiving and in kick returns. Hall set an academy record for career all-purpose yards with 4,019 and a seasons’ record with 2,504 yards in 2007.
Hall was selected as a running back to the All-Conference first team along with center Blaine Guenther from the offense. On defense linebacker John Rabold and cornerback Carson Bird were selected to the first team
The Falcons also landed linebacker Drew Fowler and offensive guard Nick Charles on the second team.
Colorado State University had two players on the All Conference second team, offensive lineman Nick Allotta and defensive lineman Jesse Nading.
Both Air Force and CSU had players on the honorable mention list. Quarterback Shaun Carney, tight end Travis Dekker, defensive end Ryan Kemp and defensive back Chris Thomas were selected from Air Force.
CSU’s honorable mention players included linebacker Jeff Horinek, running back Gartrell Johnson, punter Jimmie Kaylor, wide receiver Damon Morton, defensive lineman Eric Sandie and linebacker Darryl Williams.
Irv Moss: 303 954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
