SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University's football coaching staff issues three annual challenges to its players.

“We ask them to excel in academics, in society and in athletics,” head coach George Mihalik said.

The 2010 team succeeded in that regard and was honored at the university's annual football banquet Saturday night at the University Union.

The Rock finished 6-5 — the 18th winning season in 23 years under Mihalik — and has 29 players sporting grade-point averages of 3.0 or higher.

Seventeen SRU players earned PSAC Scholar Athlete Awards and every senior either graduated already or will in May.

“Kids who stay with our football program all the way through ... our graduation rate is 98 or 99 percent,” offensive coordinator Vic Campagna said.

The Ken Grauer Award for offensive MVP went to running back Akeem Satterfield, who rushed for 1,350 yards and 20 touchdowns in 10 games. He led the PSAC in scoring and was third in Division II.

The Rock's offensive and defensive MVP awards are voted upon by the players.

“I need to thank all of my teammates for this,” Satterfield said. “Their parents should be proud of the young men they've raised.”

Defensive MVP went to senior cornerback Robert “Manny” Doiley, who had 38 tackles, two interceptions — including a game-saving theft at Clarion — and averaged 14 yards on 30 punt returns.

“The description of our defense is that we're relentless and that's how he played,” SRU defensive coordinator Shawn Lutz said of Doiley. “People didn't throw his way and Manny delivered numerous big hits.”

Special teams MVP winners were kicker C.J. Bahr and long snapper Mike Carnahan. Bahr set school records of 35 career field goals, 50 PATs in a season and 65 consecutive PATs. He was presented a commemorative football for those achievements.

Bahr has signed with an agent and will pursue a career in pro football.

“They say you turn into a man here, but I still see myself as a small child,” Bahr joked. “I'm just a kicker, but these guys made me feel like an actual football player.”

Carnahan delivered 104 perfect long snaps in 2010.

Homecoming game MVP went to safety Brandon Watters, who had five solo tackles, five assists, an interception and a forced fumble in a 56-14 win over Lock Haven.

Other awards were presented to:

• Mike Bongivengo, Ken Marshall Award for loyalty and dedication to team. He switched from quarterback to receiver during the season.

• Austin Fedell, Paul Grimm Award for dedication in the weight room. He is an offensive lineman.

• Jayson Nickson, safety received Gary Hunt Award as an intense competitor.

• Mike Tomaino and Aaron Nall, Dr. Richard McLachlan Award for committed life to SRU.

• Brandon Fusco, Robert DeSpirito Award for pride.

• Andrew Pianetti, Coaches Award as starting defensive end with 3.5 grade point average.

• Quintin Johnson, James McElhaney Award for honesty, loyalty and kindness.

Fusco also was presented the Gene Upshaw Award as the top lineman in Division II.