Wheaton, Ill. - After one of the most successful years in school history, the Wheaton College football team gave out seven team awards.

The 2008 campaign was a historic one for Wheaton as the Thunder reached the national semifinals for the first time in school history, finishing the year ranked No. 4 nationally. Along the way, they broke 17 single-season and career records. Wheaton's march through the playoffs was aided by the veteran leadership of a school-record 28 seniors on the squad.

The winner of the Parmalee Memorial Award for "Most Respected Player" went to senior strong safety Shane Woodward (PICTURED RIGHT). The 6-foot, 210-pounder was a Second Team All-Conference selection who totaled 57 tackles on the season, including four for a loss. He also had a team-best five interceptions and 13 pass breakups.

Wide receiver Alex Pokorny earned the Lange Memorial Award for "Most Valuable Player". The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Pokorny (PICTURED TOP LEFT) was named to the CCIW All-Conference First Team and earned First Team All-Region from D3football.com. The converted quarterback made a team-high 79 catches for 1,428 yards, which set Wheaton's single-season receiving yards record, and his 19 touchdown catches set a new single-season touchdown reception record.

The John Henry Award for "Die With Hammer in Hand" went to starting center Michael Orr. The 6-foot-1, 245-pound senior (PICTURED LEFT) was the anchor of Wheaton's offensive line and was part of a unit that set many offensive records, including points scored and touchdown passes to go with a slew of individual records from the quarterback and receiving corps.

All-American cornerback Pete Ittersagen was given the MDM Award for "Special Forces Player of the Year". The 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior (PICTURED RIGHT) was recognized as an All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) for the second consecutive season, was honored as CCIW First Team All-Conference on defense and special teams and selected to the D3football.com's All-North Region Team along with earning North Region Defensive Player of the Year. He finishes his career fifth all-time in NCAA Division III in passes defended with 61. His 464 punt return yards this season set a new Wheaton single-season record and he also holds the school career record with 65 punt returns for 1,075 yards.

The 12th Man Award for "Scout Team Player of the Year" was given on offense to freshman Justin Zeller and on defense to freshman Jordan Chapman. Chapman tallied five tackles on the season, including two for a loss.

Defensive end Ben Kuenzle earned the JR Bishop "Scholar Athlete Award". The 6-foot-3, 250-pound senior (PICTURED LEFT) posted a 3.36 GPA as a Communications major. Kuenzle was selected to the CCIW All-Conference First Team as he recorded 52 tackles, including 10 for lost yardage and 5.5 sacks.