Eight members of the Slippery Rock University football team were named to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-Western Division team.

Slippery Rock High School graduate Josh Kniess along with tackle Mike Butterworth were named to the first team on offense.

Three Rock defensive players — linemen Cory Lacek and Robert Minnie and linebacker Jerome Whiting — were named to the first team on defense.

Kniess also earned second-team honors as a kick return specialist.

Also named to the second team were place kicker Ryan Daniel, wide receiver Paul Favers and guard Don Harbison.

Kniess was named to the all-conference team for the third straight season, rushing for 1,270 yards this season to rank 16th nationally in Division II. He was also 10th nationally in all-purpose yardage.

Kniess finished his four-year career as SRU's all-time leader in all purpose yardage and rushing attempts and was among the top 10 in several other career and single-season categories.

Edinboro senior tackle and Knoch graduate Greg Bzorek was also named to the first team. It was the third straight year he was named to the all-conference team and the second consecutive season as a first-team selection.

Bzorek started 44 of 45 career games and has not allowed a sack in two seasons. He also helped Edinboro average 199.3 yards rushing per game and tie for the PSAC lead in fewest sacks allowed (seven).

All-PSAC West Football Team

Offensive Player of the Year:

Antoine Bagwell (Cal);

Defensive Player of the Year:

Chris Amico (Edinboro);

Rookie of the Year:

Terrence Jackson (IUP);

Coach of the Year:

Lou Tepper (Edinboro)

First team offense

Quarterback:

Joe Ruggiero (Cal);

Running backs:

Antoine Bagwell (Cal), Josh Kniess (SRU), Chris Morgan (IUP);

Wide receivers:

Anthony Celitti (IUP), Nate Forse (Cal), Marcellus Garner (Cal), Joe Ruggiero (Cal);

Tight end:

C.J. Trivisonno (Edinboro),

Center:

Chris Kaczor (Edinboro);

Guards:

Tim McCutcheon (Cal), Steve Szoboscan (Lock Haven);

Tackles:

Greg Bzorek (Edinboro), Mike Butterworth (SRU);

Place kicker:

Jamie Reder (Ship); Return specialist: Brent Grimes (Ship)

First team defense

Linemen:

Chris Amico (Edinboro), A.J. Cousins (Edinboro), Seth Fragale (Edinboro), Cory Lacek (SRU), Robert Minnie (SRU);

Linebackers:

Frank Duffy (Ship), Lloyd Price (Cal), Ben Stroup (Edinboro), Jerome Whiting (SRU);

Defensive backs:

Chris Avery (Edinboro), Victor Callihan (IUP), Jared Dumm (Cal), Brent Grimes (Ship);

Punter:

Denver Brydon (Ship)