IWU’s Eash, Hassan headline CCIW football honors

Posted on November 14, 2017
Norm Eash and Jordan Hassan
Illinois Wesleyan’s Norm Eash (left) was named CCIW Coach of the Year and Jordan Hassan was named CCIW Defense Player of the Year. (Photos courtesy iwusports.com)

By WJBC Staff

NAPERVILLE – Illinois Wesleyan’s Norm Eash won his sixth Bob Reade Coach of the Year honor on Tuesday and first since 2009 after leading the Titans to a share of the CCIW title and an at-large berth to the NCAA Division III Football Championship.

“The best thing I probably did is hire all the staff members I have because they’ve done a tremendous job preparing our kids all year,” Eash said. “It really goes to my assistant coaches and the football team.”

IWU senior linebacker Jordan Hassan was named the Don Larson Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first Titan since Nick Nikolich in 2009 to win the award.

“Jordan had a tremendous year, for someone who did not start in his first three years in college,” Eash said. “That’s not to say that he didn’t play but he waited his turn and he’s had a phenomenal senior year.”

Hassan headlined a list of 13 Titans who earned All-CCIW honors.

IWU junior defensive back Trevor Staley and junior defensive lineman Eric Dubose were named First Team All-CCIW Defense, while sophomore receiver Jack Healy and senior offensive lineman Nick Monferdini made First Team All-CCIW Offense.

Second-team All-CCIW honors went to sophomore defensive back Trevor Koepke, senior linebackers Josh Akin and Brinton Wilkey, senior defensive lineman Justin Krzeckowski, sophomore quarterback Brandon Bauer, junior running back Morgan Alexander and senior offensive lineman Connor Melvin and Mike Mulcrone.

Illinois Wesleyan will host Case Western Reserve in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs on Saturday at Tucci Stadium.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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