The Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch Award is given annually to the state's top senior running back as part of the WSN Senior Football Awards. The award is named after former Wausau High School athlete Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch, who went on to play for the University of Wisconsin and the University of Michigan before starring at end in the NFL for 12 seasons. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the National High School Hall of Fame, and later went on to serve as Wisconsin's athletic director from 1969 to 1987.
The pre-season watch list was trimmed down to 25 semi-finalists, and five finalists for the award have now been selected. Winners are announced the week of the state finals.
Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch Award Finalists:
Ike Floyd, Saint Mary's Springs - Floyd isn't the biggest back in the state, but runs extremely hard and has the strength, balance, and speed to do damage from anywhere on the field. Limited in carries as Springs dominated most games this year, he racked up 1891 yards and 31 touchdowns on just 167 attempts through 10 games, averaging 11.3 yards per carry. The Ledgers are two-time defending state champs, and undefeated once again this year. For his career he has more than 3600 rushing yards with 65 touchdowns. "Ike is just a great kid and leader of our team," said veteran head coach Bob Hyland.
Elijah Fort, Waukesha West - West's offense this year was balanced and explosive, averaging 34 points per game. Fort was a driving force from his running back spot, racking up 1737 yards and 24 touchdowns for head coach Steve Rux. His high for the season came back in a Week 4 win over Muskego when he went for 311 yards and 4 scores.
Drew Patterson, Sussex Hamilton - Patterson has been a three-year standout for the Chargers, with nearly 5000 career rushing yards to his credit. In his senior season, despite battling injuries, he ran for 1737 yards and 24 touchdowns as Sussex Hamilton has advanced to the Level 2 playoffs. A First Team WFCA All-State choice last season, Patterson is fast and powerful from the fullback spot in the team's run-heavy offense. "You would be hard-pressed to find a more complete back than Drew Patterson," said head coach John Damato. "He is extremely consistent and plays very well against top competition."
Colten Seibel, Bloomer - After rushing for just over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior, Seibel really broke out in his senior campaign. Through 10 games he has 1801 yards and a state-best 36 rushing touchdowns. The Blackhawks captured the Heart O'North title this season, going 9-1 overall so far. "I believe that Colten is the type of player that all coaches would love to have," said head coach John Post. "I have coached many very talented players in my career and Colten is one of the most hard-nosed, all-around tough kids that I have coached. He consistently delivers when called upon and does what he is asked to do for the benefit of the team."
Hudson Walton, Cedarburg - Walton is approaching 5000 rushing yards in his illustrious four-year career, with 4822 so far, to go with 62 touchdowns. In his senior season, Walton is at 1836 yards and 27 touchdowns while also starting at linebacker. "He is our second-leading rusher in school history behind Logan Lauters (2010 finalist for the award)," added head coach Brian Leair. "Hudson has had an outstanding senior season and has been a true leader on a team that is currently 8-2 on the season."
