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IFL Indoor Football League

2014 Individual Awards Announced

June 26, 2014 - Indoor Football League (IFL) News Release


The Indoor Football League (IFL) is proud to announce the winners of the 2014 Individual Awards.

Most Valuable Player: Willie Copeland (QB, Colorado Ice)

Colorado Ice QB Willie Copeland is the 2014 IFL Most Valuable Player. Copeland becomes the 4th recipient of the award joining Sioux Falls QB Chris Dixon (2009, 2011-2012), Bryan Randall (2010), and Jameel Sewell (2013).

Before finding a home in Fort Collins, Copeland previously had stints with the Green Bay Blizzard and Cedar Rapids Titans. Copland joined the Ice in 2013 and has led the team to back-to-back postseason berths. During the 2014 season, the Ice finished with an Intense Conference best 10-4 record. Copeland led the IFL in almost every passing statistical category including passing yards (2,376) and passing TDs (56). He also was dangerous using his legs, rushing for 452 yards and 7 TDs.

Unfortunately for Copeland and the Ice, their season was cut short by the Nebraska Danger is last week's Intense Conference Championship Game. However, there is no doubt that Copeland has become a force in the IFL and the Ice have emerged as true contenders for the United Bowl crown.

Executive of the Year: Charlie Bosselman (Nebraska Danger)

Nebraska Danger owner Charlie Bosselman is the 2014 IFL Executive of the Year. In the team's four-year history, the Danger have proven to be a force both on and off the field. The team will be competing in this weekend's United Bowl for the second straight season and continues to rank at or near the top of the league in attendance and sales. In addition to owning the Danger, Bosselman has served as the IFL Chairman of the Board for the past two seasons. His guidance and business experience has been a great asset to the League.

Coach of the Year: Heron O'Neal (Colorado Ice)

Colorado Ice Head Coach Heron O'Neal has been named the 2014 IFL Coach of the Year. A long time IFL veteran, this is Coach O'Neal's first coaching honor. Prior to joining the Ice during the 2011 season, O'Neal guided the Billings Outlaws to consecutive United Bowl Championships in 2009 and 2010.

In 2014, O'Neal led the Ice to the #1 Seed in the Intense Conference. The Ice had the #3 ranked offense, averaging 50.6 points per game. Defensively, the team was dominate at times, ranking #2 in the league (35.9 points per game).

Under O'Neal's tutelage, Willie Copeland was named IFL MVP. In addition, the Ice placed 6 players on All-League teams including; Copeland, LB Joe Thornton, WR Kyle Kaiser, OL Sanford Banks, DL Jason Jones, and DB Corey Sample.

Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Dixon (QB, Sioux Falls Storm)

Sioux Falls Storm QB Chris Dixon is the 2014 Offensive Player of the Year. After a year absence from the league, Dixon returned to the Storm without missing a beat. A three time IFL MVP, Dixon turned in another prolific season. In 2014, Dixon led the IFL in completion percentage (61.7%), ranked 3rd in passing yards (2,237), and 2nd in passing TDs (50). A consistent dual-threat, Dixon also rushed for 408 yards and 17 scores.

With Dixon at the helm, the Storm ranked #2 in scoring offense (53.9 points per game) and ranked #1 in yards per game (268.7).

Defensive Player of the Year: Tyler Knight (LB, Sioux Falls Storm)

For the second consecutive season, Sioux Falls Storm LB Tyler Knight is the IFL Defensive Player of the Year. Knight is the man in the middle for the IFL's #1 ranked defense that allows only 35.7 points per game.

"Superman" registered 140 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 1 interception in 2014. He led the IFL in tackles per game (10.8), nearly two more per game than any other IFL defender. Knight was also named Defensive Player of the Week three times this season (Week 2, Week 3, Week 16).

Special Teams Player of the Year: Rockne Belmonte (K, Cedar Rapids Titans)

Cedar Rapids Titans kicker Rockne Belmonte is the 2014 IFL Special Teams Player of the Year. Belmonte was selected First Team All-IFL last week as well. In 2014, Belmonte led all kickers with 146 points. He also led the IFL in field goals made (24), converting on 51% of his attempts and 90% of his PATs.

Rookie of the Year: Nathan Wara (QB, Green Bay Blizzard)

Green Bay Blizzard QB Nathan Wara is the 2014 IFL Rookie of the Year. Despite a 2-12 record on the field, Wara and the Blizzard turned things around towards the end of the season, winning two of their final three games and building momentum heading into the 2015 season.

During the season, Wara completed 58.3% of his passes (2nd in the IFL). He passed for 1,848 yards (5th in the IFL), and 37 TDs (T-4th in IFL). He did even more damage with his legs, leading the IFL in rushing yards (705) and rushing TDs (20).

Adam Pringle Award: Cody Kirby (QB, Bemidji Axemen)

Bemidji Axemen QB Cody Kirby is the recipient of the 2014 Adam Pringle. The Adam Pringle Award is given to the player or coach who exemplified outstanding service and dedication to their surrounding community.

Last year's Rookie of the Year, Kirby began the 2014 season a member of the Nebraska Danger, filling in admirably for injured starter Jameel Sewell. Midway through the 2014 campaign Kirby signed with the expansion Bemidji Axemen. Kirby quickly became the face of the Axemen, providing leadership both on and off the field. He possesses and displays all of the qualities that are expected of an IFL player. For the season, Kirby passed for 1,856 yards and 32 TDs.

The 2014 season concludes this weekend with the United Bowl. In a rematch of last year's exciting championship game, the Sioux Falls Storm host the Nebraska Danger on Saturday June 28th at 7:05 PM. Tickets to the big game can be purchased by calling the Storm front office, (605) 274-6686, or visiting, www.siouxfallsstorm.com.

The Indoor Football League was created in 2008 from a merger between the Intense Football League and the United Indoor Football Association. Its teams are located from Kennewick, Washington to Green Bay, Wisconsin. For more information about all things IFL, please log on to www.goifl.com or call the league office at (804) 643-7277.



Indoor Football League Stories from June 26, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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