The Tim Krumrie Award is given annually to the state's top senior defensive lineman as part of the WSN Senior Football Awards. The award is named after Tim Krumrie, a former Mondovi and University of Wisconsin athlete who would go on to star in the NFL for 12 seasons, including two Pro Bowl appearances.
The pre-season watch list was trimmed down to 25 semi-finalists, and seven finalists for the award have now been selected. Winners are announced the week of the state finals.
Tim Krumrie Award Finalists:
Zach Dodge, Wilmot - Dodge leads the state with 18 sacks this season, as he has been a terror for opposing offenses all year. In addition to the sack totals, Dodge is among the state leaders with 24 tackles for loss, with 50 tackles as well. As a part of a team that claimed a share of the Southern Lakes title, Dodge was a leader for head coach Mike Greinke. "His 'motor' is unstoppable and a single-man block is nearly impossible," said Greinke.
Gaelin Elmore, Somerset - The state's top-rated tight end, Elmore is a two-way standout for the Spartans. Through 10 games he leads the state with 28 tackles for loss and is tied for the lead with 7 forced fumbles. He is also among the leaders with 11 sacks. All told he recorded 72 tackles this season from his defensive end spot. Head coach Bruce Larson raved about Elmore as an overall player, and indicated that he excels on both sides of the ball. Committed to Minnesota over offers from Wisconsin and Nebraska amongst others, some colleges saw his potential on defense as equal to or better than on offense.
Luke Elsner, Seymour - Elsner had a strong junior campaign, recording 17.5 sacks to finish among the state leaders. He's been outstanding once again in his senior campaign. In 9 regular season games, Elsner recorded 58 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks for the Thunder. Against some impressive offenses, the defense allowed less than 9 points per game, and Elsner's pressure off the edge was a big reason for that success.
Craig Evans, Sun Prairie - Evans has been a strong presence on the Cardinals defense since his freshman season. Last year he earned First Team WFCA All-State recognition after helping the team to the D1 state title game. He received offers from a Who's Who of college programs, but has given a commitment to stay home at Wisconsin. While teams tried to run away from him much of the time, he still managed to record 65 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks as he dominated the interior of the line. "He is one of the most athletic big men to come through the state in some time," said head coach Brian Kaminski. "He is 305 pounds and runs a 4.8. He is constantly double and triple teamed yet he owns the middle of the field."
Billy Hirschfeld, Arrowhead - Hirschfeld, a Wisconsin commit, is a multi-year standout for the Warhawks, earning First Team All-State recognition last season. He's taken his game to another level in 2013, recording 18 tackles for loss and 9 sacks for an Arrowhead defense that has been incredibly stout against some solid very good competition. "Arrowhead has had a lot of really good defensive players the past three years, but the one constant force is Billy," said head coach Greg Malling. "He was disruptive as a sophomore, dominant as a junior, and has been flat-out freakish as a senior."
Conor Sheehy, Marquette - Sheehy had an outstanding junior season, earning First Team All-Conference and WFCA All-State recognition for the Hilltoppers. Marquette took a step forward in 2013, earning an outright Greater Metro title. Sheehy's presence on defense was a big part of the success. As a defensive lineman he racked up 84 tackles for head coach Jeff Mazurczak to go with 18 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. Sheehy committed to Wisconsin more than a year ago.
Calvin Wright, La Crosse Logan - Wright is a disruptive force on the Logan defensive line, just as he has been the last several years. As a defensive lineman, Wright recorded 66 tackles this year as his explosiveness and athletic ability allow him to make plays outside his area. He also blew up the backfield for 25 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. "Teams consistently run away from him," added Logan head coach Casey Knoble.
