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Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch Award Finalists for top senior running back

10/27/2016, 9:00am CDT
By Travis Wilson

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 15 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:

Sam Altena, New Richmond - Altena was a big reason the Tigers advanced to the state semi-finals last season, and has come back with an even bigger 2016 campaign. In 12 games he had 285 rush attempts for 2,084 yards and 36 touchdowns, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. The school record holder for most yards in a career and a season, he is also a starting linebacker for New Richmond with 12 tackles for loss. “It all starts with number 28, Sam Altena,” Medford head coach Ted Wilson said. “He’s a very, very good running back. He has over 1,500 yards. He’s the number-one guy we have to stop to stay in the game.”

Hunter Johnson, Darlington - Johnson may be the favorite for state Offensive Player of the Year this season, with incredible production in limited time due to a season full of blowouts. On just 155 carries in 13 games, he has 2,076 yards (13.4 yards per carry) with 40 touchdowns, finding the end zone on one-third of his attempts. He's also scored touchdowns via reception, interception return, and kick return this year. Johnson has only seen action in the second half in a couple games this year.

Nate Ihlenfeldt, Notre Dame - Ihlenfeldt was a First Team All-Conference pick last season but suffered a broken collar bone in the Division 3 state title game victory and missed much of the game. He's come back with a vengeance, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors in the FRCC. Ihlenfeldt has 315 carries for 2,168 yards (6.9 yards per carry) and 23 touchdown in the first 13 games as the Tritons are a top seed in the playoffs and back at Madison once again.

Preston Strasburg, Fort Atkinson - Strasburg is among the state leaders in rushing this season, accumulating 2,054 yards and 28 touchdowns on 359 carries. A true workhorse, he had a season-high 56 carries for 345 yards and 6 touchdowns in a narrow overtime loss to Monona Grove back in Week 7. He went for 409 yards against Portage just two weeks earlier. "Preston simply is one the hardest working players I have ever coached," said head coach Steve Mahoney. "His weight room hours, film study and leadership skill set him apart from many football players. In big games, he has big performances."

Seth Wilson, Holmen - Despite missing several games last year, Wilson earned First Team All-Conference recognition. He's been healthy and dominant this season, a threat to score any time he touches the ball in a number of ways. Wilson had 227 carries for 2,027 yards and 33 touchdowns on the ground, leads the team with 148 receiving yards and two scores, and has three kickoff return touchdowns as well with 555 yards via kick and punt returns. "Seth has played linebacker, safety, corner, halfback, fullback, quarterback, wide receiver, punt returner, kick returner, and punter," said head coach Travis Kowalski. "He was the best player on the field at all of those positions. "

Tag(s): News Archive  News  Travis Wilson  Senior FB Awards