Jan. 26, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland football team officially put the wraps on its 2002 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl-winning season at today's annual team banquet which was held at the Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt. At the event, team award winners were announced to the sold-out crowd.

Amongst the winners this year were team and defensive most valuable player, senior LB E.J. Henderson, who wins both awards for the second-straight season while having already won the Butkus and Bednarik Awards for his play in '02. Senior TB Chris Downs capped his incredible and improbable 2002 as he was named the Terps' offensive most valuable player while senior P Brooks Barnard and sophomore WR/KR Steve Suter shared the spotlight as the team's top specialists.

The Terrapins, who will return 17 starters next season, posted the second 11-win season in the 110-year history of the program in 2003 while winning their first bowl game since the mid-1980s.

Below is a complete list of the winners at today's awards in the order they were announced:

Top Special Teams Performer(s) -- Brooks Barnard, P/Steve Suter, WR/KR

Freshmen of the Year -- Shawne Merriman, LB/Josh Allen, TB

A.V. Williams Award (for Outstanding and Conspicuous Sportsmanship) -- Scooter Monroe, WR

Terrapin Club Award (Greatest Contribution to Football) -- Matt Crawford, OT

James M. Tatum Award, sponsored by Saval Foods (Lineman of the Year) -- Todd Wike, C/OG

George C. Cook Memorial Award (Senior with the Highest Academic Average) -- Todd Wike, C/OG

George Boutselis Memorial Award, sponsored by the Heyison Family (Letterman with the Highest Academic Average) -- Nick Novak, PK

Alvin L. Aubinoe Award (Unsung Hero) -- James Lynch, FB
Dr. John E. Faber Award, sponsored by Worthington Steel (Iron Man Award) -- Durrand Roundtree, DE

Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year -- David Holloway, LB

Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year -- Ryan Flynn, TE

Defensive Most Valuable Player -- E.J. Henderson, LB

Offensive Most Valuable Player -- Chris Downs, TB

Ray Krouse Award, sponsored by Pepsi (Team MVP) -- E.J. Henderson, LB

Defensive Most Improved Player -- Randy Starks, DT

Offensive Most Improved Player(s) -- Scott McBrien, QB/Latrez Harrison, WR

Distinguished Contributor Award -- Dr. Erik Young