Wisconsin High School Sports | Wisconsin Sports Network | WisSports.net

Wisconsin Sports Network and WisSports.net are happy to announce Seymour's Jon Dietzen as the 2014 recipient of the Joe Thomas Award as the most outstanding senior offensive lineman in Wisconsin, part of the WSN Senior Football Awards.

"Jon is truly a once-in-a-lifetime talent for us," said head coach Matthew Molle. "He is an absolute road-grader with a great punch and excellent feet."

Dietzen, a Wisconsin commit, was a First Team All-State selection the last two years by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association.

"I am quite sure there are many other outstanding linemen in our state, but I believe you would have a difficult time finding one with the physical size and abilities of Jon," added Molle.

Finalists for the award were Dietzen, Peter Andrew of Fond du Lac, Vince Hughes of Franklin, Elijah Perine of Homestead, Andrew Poenitsch of Sussex Hamilton, and Nathan Veloz of Oak Creek.

Past winners include Waunakee's Jake Irwin (2009), Wisconsin Rapids' Frank Vruwink (2010), Waukesha West's Connor Stefanski (2011), Wisconsin Rapids' Hayden Biegel (2012), and Monona Grove's Jaden Gault (2013).

The award is named after Joe Thomas, a graduate of Brookfield Central High School now playing in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns. Thomas was a three-sport athlete in high school, lettering all four years in football, basketball, and track and field while also being named to the Honor Roll all four years. He started 37 games at left tackle for the Badgers and won the Outland Trophy after his senior season. Thomas was drafted 3rd overall by the Browns in 2007, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl each of his first seven seasons. 

The voting panel for the WSN Senior Football Awards consisted of:  Travis Wilson, WSN Content Manager and Head Football Writer;  Norbert Durst, WSN Content Producer; Dennis Semrau, Wisconsin State Journal; Justin Hull, WSCO The Score 95.3 in Appleton; JR Radcliffe, NOW Newspapers; Dan Barwick, WSN Contributor; Jimmie Kaska, iHeartMedia Eau Claire; Fan Vote