WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson football program announced the winners of its special awards for the 2012 season.

Gerry Gallagher '74 Offensive Player of the Year: Ryan Gresik (Newton, N.J./Newton): An honorable-mention all-NJAC selection in 2012, Gresik was 178-for-295 for 2,097 yards and 13 touchdowns, starting all 10 contests under center.  The junior also carried 77 times for 144 yards and two scores. In 28 career contests (23 starts), Gresik is 366-for-631 for 4,069 yards and 23 touchdowns.

David Pinto '01 Offensive Lineman of the Year: John Matthews (Pennsauken, N.J./Roman Catholic): Converted from tight end as a freshman to offensive tackle, Matthews started in 30 of 40 career appearances. Due to injuries this past season, the senior also started a few games at center.  A 2012 second-team all-NJAC selection, Matthews helped the Pioneer offense have its best statistical year at 109.4 yards on the ground and 222 yards through the air for a total of 331.4 yards per game.

Steve Brown '74 Defensive Player of the Year: Javon Hodges (Parlin, N.J./Sayreville War Memorial): A first-team all-NJAC special teams selection in 2012, Hodges started in 12 of 20 career games, recording 85 tackles (40 solo, 5.5 TFL) one sack, 12 pass breakups, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries.  The senior free safety led the league and ranked 29th in Division III in punt return average (11.4 yards/return) this past fall.   

Stephen Chelstowski '77 Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ben Allen (Ventnor, N.J./Atlantic City): In eight appearances (four starts), the sophomore recorded 36 tackles (11 solo, 25 assisted), 2.0 tackles for loss (-4 yards) and 0.5 sack (-3 yards) as a linebacker.

Mike Carter '82 Defensive Lineman of the Year: Webb Geer (Sparta, N.J./Sparta): An honorable-mention all-NJAC selection in 2012, the junior has made 19 career starts in 24 games, tallying 88 tackles (31 solo), 5.0 sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss.

Kareen Moon '07 Special Teams Player of the Year: Alex Price (Newton, N.J./Newton): Price saw action in 32 career games (nine starts). In 2012, the senior was the fourth-leading receiver on the team, with 22 catches for 316 yards and was tied for the team lead in touchdowns with four.  Price also added 14 tackles (eight solo) on the special team units.

William Paterson finished the 2012 season 5-5 overall and 2-5 in NJAC play.

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