The Observer, February 22, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 18
Football Cleveland Touchdown Club honors Spartans' season
They haven't played a game in three months. They're lifting and running in preparation for the fall. But Case football's perfect 10-0 regular season and first-round playoff win over Widener is still receiving accolades.
On Monday, the Spartans were selected as the 2007 recipient of the Bob Gain Cup, recognizing the best small college football team in the state of Ohio. The announcement was made by the Cleveland Touchdown Club Charities.
The award was first given out in 1988, the same year that head football coach Greg Debeljak started as an assistant coach at John Carroll University. "I've played against some of the other teams that won [the Bob Gain Cup]," said Debeljak. "I know how good they were. To be mentioned along with them is a great source of pride."
The Cleveland Touchdown Club Charities Annual Awards Banquet, held at the I-X Center, honors the outstanding players and coaches at the professional, collegiate, and high school level for their excellence throughout the season. "I've gone to a lot of these banquets and Case was never mentioned," said Debeljak.
Offensive lineman Tom Zagorski, who graduated last semester, was honored as the Spartans' MVP at this year's awards dinner. Debeljak nominated Zagorski for the award. "I thanked him after the banquet," said Zagorski. "I think these kinds of awards are a testament to the hard work of the senior class. We went from not having a stadium to where we're at now."
Next year, the Spartans will miss Zagorski's leadership. "He was a four-year captain, which is unheard of," said Debeljak.
Debeljak received the College Coach Service Award at last season's banquet, while Mount Union received the Bob Gain Cup after winning the 2006 Div. III National Championship.
With the team getting set to start its spring practices, Debeljak wants to close the book on the 2007 season: "We're ready to concentrate on 2008."
