Tech\’s Milbrath Finalists For Harlon Hill Trophy
FLORENCE, Ala. — Michigan Tech football player Phil Milbrath (Norway, Mich.) has been named one of nine national finalists for the Harlon Hill Award, which is given annually to the best player in NCAA Division II. The senior running back joins former Huskies Lee Marana (2004) and Dave Walter (1986) as the only players in school history to earn the honor.
Milbrath finished the regular season ranked second in the nation in rushing (141.2 yards per game), fifth in all-purpose offense (178.7 yards per game) and eighth in scoring (9.6 points per game). The 5-9, 200-pound team co-captain was named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Back of the Year after racking up 1,412 rushing yards, 375 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns on the season. Milbrath had eight 100-yard games and two 250-yard games with his career-best performance of 293 yards and two touchdowns coming vs. No. 1-ranked Grand Valley State Oct. 30.
Career-wise, Milbrath ranks among Tech’s all-time leaders in several categories. He is fourth in both rushing yards (3,934) and total touchdowns (51).
The final group of nine candidates for the 2010 Harlon Hill includes seven quarterbacks and two running backs. There are two players from each of the nation’s four super regionals plus an additional candidate from Super Region 4 because of a tie in voting. Milbrath and Colorado School of Mines quarterback Clay Garcia represent Super Region 3.
National balloting for the 2010 Harlon Hill trophy will conclude Dec. 3. The National Harlon Hill Award Committee will announce the winner at the 25th annual Harlon Hill Trophy Presentation Banquet on Friday, Dec. 17, in Florence.
2010 Harlon Hill National Finalists
Zach Amedro, QB, Sr, West Liberty
Blake Bolles, QB, Sr, Northwest Missouri State
Bo Cordell, QB, So, Tusculum
Eric Czerniewski, QB, Sr, Central Missouri
Mitchell Gale, QB, So, Abilene Christian
Clay Garcia, QB, Jr, Colorado Mines
Nick Hardesty, QB, Sr, Henderson State
Phil Milbrath, RB, Sr, Michigan Tech
Franklyn Quiteh, RB, Fr, Bloomsburg