Wheaton, Ill. -- The Thunder football program gathered for a team banquet on Saturday, January 28th to reflect on the 2022 season and give out awards to individual players in celebration of their accomplishments during a strong campaign.

Prior to the individual accolades being handed out at Saturday's event, Wheaton's All-CCIW, All-Region, and All-American honorees from the fall season were recognized. They are listed in alphabetical order below:

All-Americans - Trevor Gabriele, Ben Juska, Giovanni Weeks
All-Region - Sam Bell, Will Bowers, Paul Fay, Trevor Gabriele, Ben Juska, Jalen Shaffer, Graham Wall, Giovanni Weeks
All-Conference - Brayden Anthony, Sam Bell, Will Bowers, Paul Fay, Trevor Gabriele, Tyler Gautier, Ben Juska, Jalen Shaffer, Graham Wall, Giovanni Weeks, Max Wilson

Individual Award Winners:

Freshman wide receiver Zac Schloemer and freshman defensive back Kaleb Ecklund were each given the 12th Man Award for their positive spirit and hard work during the season.

Veteran defensive lineman Brayden Anthony collected the John Henry Hammer Award for toughness after serving as a key player and leader on the defensive side of the ball.

Senior running back Jack Allen was honored as the Special Teams Player of the Year for the Thunder.

Sam Bell, a senior defensive back, was named the team's J.R. Bishop Scholar-Athlete Award winner after being honored as a CSC Academic All-America First Team member in 2022.

Offensive lineman Trevor Gabriele earned the team's James Parmalee "Most Respected Player" Award for his character and contributions to the program on and off the field. 

Finally, graduate quarterback Will Bowers earned the team's Fred J. Lange "Most Valuable Player" Award after an outstanding year that saw him become the third player in program history to be named a semifinalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, as well as earn All-CCIW and All-Region honors.

The Thunder football team finished the 2022 season ranked 17th in the country according to the D3football.com and AFCA end-of-year polls. Wheaton is scheduled to begin the 2023 season at home with a non-conference matchup against UW-Oshkosh on September 9th.