Clarion noseguard Troy Bowers (Sr. Columbus, Ohio, Westerville South HS) was named today as the 2003 PSAC-West (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) "Defensive Player of the Year", in voting done by the leagues coaches and announced by the conference office.

It is the second straight year Bowers has been tabbed with the PSAC-West award as well as a first team PSAC-West choice.

Also named to the PSAC-West fist team was linebacker Jabari Weatherspoon (Sr. Pensacola, Florida; Booker T. Washington High). Second team selections were running back Brandon Sweeney (So. Akron, Ohio; Firestone High) and defensive back Emil Johnson (Sr. Brookville, Pa.; Brookville High).

"Troy has been a dominating football player this year and during his career at Clarion," said Eagle head coach Malen Luke. "He’s truly an outstanding person and leader and we’re happy that he has received this award again in 2003."

Bowers, a 6-0, 290-pound, senior, noseguard, earned his second straight PSAC-West "Player ofthe Year" award by posting 65 tackles (35 solo), leading the entire PSAC with 24 tackles for loss for -60 yards, secon din the PSAC in sacks with 9 (-34 yards), intercepted a pass against Lock Haven at returned it 22 yards for a touchdown, 1 fumble caused and recovered, 1 blocked kick and 1 break-up.

Last year Bowers collected 70 hits, 27 tfl’s for -109 yards, 12 sacks for -77 yards, 2 fumbles caused and a blocked kick. In his illustrious career Bowers finished with 209 tackles (105 solo), 77 tfl’s for - 278 yards, 33 sacks for -183 yards, 6 fumbles caused, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 int.

A three-time first team PSAC-West selection, last year Bowers was a first team Football Gazette and D-2 Football All-America selection and a second team Associated Press. Troy is the son of Deborah Bowers and is a Liberal Studies major at Clarion.

Weatherspoon, a 6-3, 245-pound, senior, outside linebacker, earned first team PSAC-West honors for the second straight year. Weatherspoon led the Golden Eagle defense in tackles with 88 (48 solo), 14 tfl’s for -39, 3 qb sacks for -16, 3 interceptions including one returned for a touchdown against Glenville, 3 break-ups and 1 fumble recovery.

Last year Weatherspoon collected 57 hits, 15 tfl’s, 6 sacks, 3 fumbles caused and 1 int. His career numbers include 185 tackles, 31 tfl’s for -97 yards, 9 sacks for -50 yards, 4 interceptions, 3 fumbles caused and 1 recovery. The son of Patsy Weatherspoon, he is a Management major at Clarion.

Sweeney, a 5-10, 185, sophomore, halfback, gained 416 yards and 5 td’s on 87 carries, while also catching 11 passes for 95 yards and 1 td. Sweeney also proved a solid kickoff returner with 23 returns for 513 yards and 1 td, including an 82-yarder for a touchdown against East Stroudsburg. In his two year career Sweeney now has 169 carries, 920 yards and 9 td’s, while also catching 14 aerials for 129 yards and 1 td. He is the son of Yteria Sweeney and is an undecided major.

Johnson, a 5-10, 190-pound, senior, strong safety, was a three-year starter and 4-year letterwinner at Clarion. In 2003 Johnson had 65 tackles including 10 tfl’s for -23 yards, 2 sacks for - 6 yards, 1 int, 2 fumbles caused, 1 recovered, 1 blocked kick and 2 break ups. A 4-year letterwinner, Emil finished his career with 184 tackles, 15 tfl’s, 3 sacks, 9 break-ups, 2 int’s, 4 fumbles caused and recovered. Emil is the son of Kris and Jan Johnson and is an Environmental Geoscience major at Clarion. He has been a Clarion and PSAC Scholar Athlete.

CLARION NOTES: The Golden Eagles, under tenth year head coach Malen Luke, were 3-8 overall and 2-4 in the PSAC-West this season... Coach Luke has a 10-year record of 51-58... Clarion won its final two games of the year defeating Lock Haven 22-9 and Slippery Rock 19-17... The Eagles had a young team... Of the 44 lettermen this year, 32 were underclassmen, 17 were freshmen... Clarion opens the 2004 season hosting West Chester on Saturday, August 28^th at 6pm... The Golden Eagles will be at home in four of its first five games including hosting Glenville Sept. 18, California Sept. 25 and Edinboro October 2^nd... Ten games currently dot the overall schedule... The Eagles are seeking an 11^th game on September 11th.