Photo by: (C)2024 GamedayPhotosNYC
Football Celebrates 2023 Season at Awards Banquet
2/20/2024 10:05:00 AM | Football
The Lions announce team award winners at the Forum on the campus of the Columbia Business School
NEW YORK — Columbia football handed out 12 awards to 14 student-athletes, and the Lions recognized the Class of 2024 at its annual 2023 awards banquet Saturday evening at the Forum.
The evening began with an hour-long welcome reception, followed by the banquet program featuring a season recap, guest introductions, highlight videos, and remarks from captains Caden Bell, CJ Brown, Luke Painton, and Patrick Passalacqua.
Senior linebacker Anthony Roussos earned the prestigious Sid Luckman Most Valuable Player, which goes to the overall MVP of the team. The first-team All-Ivy League selection had a breakout 2023 campaign. He was the second leading tackler in the Ivy League with 93 and his 5.7 solo tackles per game ranked No. 10 in FCS. Roussos posted double-figure tackles in five games, including a career-high 13 against Brown on Nov. 11.
Senior running back Joey Giorgi repeated as the Lions' Most Valuable Offensive Player after leading the squad in rushing with 628 rushing yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry to pick up All-Ivy League Second Team accolades. He recorded four total touchdowns, ranked No. 3 in the Ivy League in rushing and averaged 86.1 all-purpose yards per game.
The Most Valuable Defensive Player Award went to junior defensive lineman Justin Townsend. Townsend continued to be one of the premier pass rushers in the conference, tying for the Ivy League lead in sacks (7.5) and posting 12 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, which was second in the Ancient Eight. He had multiple sacks in three contests, including the final two games of the campaign. Townsend now has 13.5 career sacks, which is fourth most in program history.
Seniors CJ Brown and JJ Jenkins shared The David W. Smyth Memorial Cup, which is given to an outstanding player who displays intangibles such as spirit, leadership, sportsmanship, and loyalty.
Luke Painton and Seth Parker were presented with the Head Coach Career Achievement Award. Painton anchored the offensive line at left tackle in 2023 after spending the previous three seasons as a tight end. Parker started nine contests and posted 39 tackles with nine pass breakups.
The Special Teams Award was given to William Hughes for the second consecutive year. The senior punter led the Ivy League and ranked No. 6 in the FCS, averaging 44.0 yards per punt, which ranks No. 2 on the Lions' single-season list. He recorded 18 kicks of over 50 yards, including a career-long 71 against Marist on Oct. 7, and pinned opponents inside the 20 on 19 occasions.
First-year placekicker Hugo Merry was named the team's Ken Germann Freshman Award for the most accomplished and outstanding first-year/rookie player. Merry was named the team's starter from week one and drilled eight field goals, including a long of 45 yards.
For the third consecutive year, the Lions' starting center earned Jack Armstrong Most Outstanding Award as the team's most outstanding offensive lineman. Sophomore Mark Chapman picked up the honor after gaining All-Ivy League honorable mention status. He started all 10 games and an offensive line that rushed for over 200 yards three times.
Junior Aaron Brebnor earned the Lions' Maniatty-Remmer Unsung Hero Award, given to a player whose role is not always obvious to the outside observer, but without his contribution, the team would not be as successful. The defensive back was a 10-game starter and tied for the team lead with three interceptions.
Columbia's second-leading tackler, Hayden McDonald, was named Columbia's Lou Little Coaches Most Improved Player award, given to the player who, through extraordinary efforts, improved his play and maximized his production. A junior defensive back, McDonald notched 62 tackles, an interception and recovered a fumble in nine contests.
The team's John J. Cirigliano Ironman Award, given to the players who overcome adversity to become strong contributors to the team on the field, went to senior quarterback Joe Green. Green returned from a shoulder injury in 2022 to play in seven contests and completed 93-of-167 passes with four touchdowns through the air.
Senior defensive back and kick returner Carter McFadden took home the Phil Fusco Award, given to a player who exhibits overall leadership both on and off the field. McFadden was a starter in the secondary and remained on the field for Columbia's return and kickoff schemes. He averaged 23.4 yards per kickoff return and 10.2 yards per punt return.
For the latest on the Columbia football team, follow @CULionsFB on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit GoColumbiaLions.com.
2023 COLUMBIA FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS
Saturday, February 17, 2023 | Annual Football Awards Banquet | The Forum, Columbia University, New York, N.Y.
Sid Luckman Most Valuable Player Award: Anthony Roussos (LB)
Most Valuable Offensive Player: Joey Giorgi (RB)
Most Valuable Defensive Player: Justin Townsend (LB)
David W. Smyth Memorial Cup: CJ Brown (LB), JJ Jenkins (WR)
Head Coach Career Achievement Award: Luke Painton (OL), Seth Parker (DB)
Special Teams Award: William Hughes (P)
Ken Gerrmann Freshman of the Year Award: Hugo Merry (PK)
Jack Armstrong Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award: Mark Chapman (C)
Maniatty-Remmer Unsung Hero Award: Aaron Brebnor (DB)
Lou Little Coaches Most Improved Award: Hayden McDonald (DB)
John J. Cirigliano Ironman Award: Joe Green (QB)
Phil Fusco Award: Carter McFadden (DB/KR)
Campbell Murff Captains Award: Caden Bell (QB), CJ Brown (LB), Luke Painton (OL), Patrick Passalacqua (DL)
The evening began with an hour-long welcome reception, followed by the banquet program featuring a season recap, guest introductions, highlight videos, and remarks from captains Caden Bell, CJ Brown, Luke Painton, and Patrick Passalacqua.
Senior linebacker Anthony Roussos earned the prestigious Sid Luckman Most Valuable Player, which goes to the overall MVP of the team. The first-team All-Ivy League selection had a breakout 2023 campaign. He was the second leading tackler in the Ivy League with 93 and his 5.7 solo tackles per game ranked No. 10 in FCS. Roussos posted double-figure tackles in five games, including a career-high 13 against Brown on Nov. 11.
Senior running back Joey Giorgi repeated as the Lions' Most Valuable Offensive Player after leading the squad in rushing with 628 rushing yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry to pick up All-Ivy League Second Team accolades. He recorded four total touchdowns, ranked No. 3 in the Ivy League in rushing and averaged 86.1 all-purpose yards per game.
The Most Valuable Defensive Player Award went to junior defensive lineman Justin Townsend. Townsend continued to be one of the premier pass rushers in the conference, tying for the Ivy League lead in sacks (7.5) and posting 12 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, which was second in the Ancient Eight. He had multiple sacks in three contests, including the final two games of the campaign. Townsend now has 13.5 career sacks, which is fourth most in program history.
Seniors CJ Brown and JJ Jenkins shared The David W. Smyth Memorial Cup, which is given to an outstanding player who displays intangibles such as spirit, leadership, sportsmanship, and loyalty.
Luke Painton and Seth Parker were presented with the Head Coach Career Achievement Award. Painton anchored the offensive line at left tackle in 2023 after spending the previous three seasons as a tight end. Parker started nine contests and posted 39 tackles with nine pass breakups.
The Special Teams Award was given to William Hughes for the second consecutive year. The senior punter led the Ivy League and ranked No. 6 in the FCS, averaging 44.0 yards per punt, which ranks No. 2 on the Lions' single-season list. He recorded 18 kicks of over 50 yards, including a career-long 71 against Marist on Oct. 7, and pinned opponents inside the 20 on 19 occasions.
First-year placekicker Hugo Merry was named the team's Ken Germann Freshman Award for the most accomplished and outstanding first-year/rookie player. Merry was named the team's starter from week one and drilled eight field goals, including a long of 45 yards.
For the third consecutive year, the Lions' starting center earned Jack Armstrong Most Outstanding Award as the team's most outstanding offensive lineman. Sophomore Mark Chapman picked up the honor after gaining All-Ivy League honorable mention status. He started all 10 games and an offensive line that rushed for over 200 yards three times.
Junior Aaron Brebnor earned the Lions' Maniatty-Remmer Unsung Hero Award, given to a player whose role is not always obvious to the outside observer, but without his contribution, the team would not be as successful. The defensive back was a 10-game starter and tied for the team lead with three interceptions.
Columbia's second-leading tackler, Hayden McDonald, was named Columbia's Lou Little Coaches Most Improved Player award, given to the player who, through extraordinary efforts, improved his play and maximized his production. A junior defensive back, McDonald notched 62 tackles, an interception and recovered a fumble in nine contests.
The team's John J. Cirigliano Ironman Award, given to the players who overcome adversity to become strong contributors to the team on the field, went to senior quarterback Joe Green. Green returned from a shoulder injury in 2022 to play in seven contests and completed 93-of-167 passes with four touchdowns through the air.
Senior defensive back and kick returner Carter McFadden took home the Phil Fusco Award, given to a player who exhibits overall leadership both on and off the field. McFadden was a starter in the secondary and remained on the field for Columbia's return and kickoff schemes. He averaged 23.4 yards per kickoff return and 10.2 yards per punt return.
For the latest on the Columbia football team, follow @CULionsFB on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook or visit GoColumbiaLions.com.
2023 COLUMBIA FOOTBALL AWARD WINNERS
Saturday, February 17, 2023 | Annual Football Awards Banquet | The Forum, Columbia University, New York, N.Y.
Sid Luckman Most Valuable Player Award: Anthony Roussos (LB)
Most Valuable Offensive Player: Joey Giorgi (RB)
Most Valuable Defensive Player: Justin Townsend (LB)
David W. Smyth Memorial Cup: CJ Brown (LB), JJ Jenkins (WR)
Head Coach Career Achievement Award: Luke Painton (OL), Seth Parker (DB)
Special Teams Award: William Hughes (P)
Ken Gerrmann Freshman of the Year Award: Hugo Merry (PK)
Jack Armstrong Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award: Mark Chapman (C)
Maniatty-Remmer Unsung Hero Award: Aaron Brebnor (DB)
Lou Little Coaches Most Improved Award: Hayden McDonald (DB)
John J. Cirigliano Ironman Award: Joe Green (QB)
Phil Fusco Award: Carter McFadden (DB/KR)
Campbell Murff Captains Award: Caden Bell (QB), CJ Brown (LB), Luke Painton (OL), Patrick Passalacqua (DL)
Players Mentioned
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PK/P
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OL
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DL
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DL
/ FootballSaturday, November 22
Friday, November 21
Thursday, November 20
Saturday, November 15
