CLARION— Karns City quarterback Anthony Stimac was named the CHAMPKeystone Shortway Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Stimac threw for 967 yards and 19 touchdowns while rushing for 1,032 yards and 15 TDs. In the Gremlins' four playoff games, he ran for 452 yards and six scores and threw six touchdown passes.

Kevin Grejda of Clarion was Defensive Player of the Year, Larry Wiser of Clarion was Coach of the Year, and Brandon Heeter of Clarion and Logan Weaver of Punxsutawney were Co-Rookie of the Year.

WEXFORD — The Grove City College men's and women's soccer teams received the Presidents' Athletic Conference Team Sportsmanship Awards for the 2008 fall season.This new award is sponsored by the PACStudent Athlete Advisory Council in an effort to recognize and encourage positive sportsmanship among conference teams.

STATE COLLEGE— Penn State's A.Q. Shipley won the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation's top center.The senior captain anchors the No. 6 Nittany Lions' formidable and athletic offensive line, which has allowed a Big Ten-low 12 sacks this season.The line has also helped Evan Royster become Penn State's fourth-straight 1,000-yard rusher.Shipley received the honor during a ceremony Thursday night in Florida, taking a break from Penn State's preparations for the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day against fifth-ranked Southern California.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Matt Cassel returned to practice with the New England Patriots Thursday after missing Wednesday's workouts following his father's death.Cassel took part in stretching and throwing drills during the portion of practice open to reporters at San Jose State, where the Patriots are training between road games in Seattle and Oakland. He briefly left the club after his father, Greg, died Monday night in the Los Angeles area.Although the Patriots made no announcement, Cassel seems likely to start on Sunday against the Raiders. New England (8-5) is in a three-way tie with Miami and the New York Jets atop the AFC East.