SEMO Football Makes History with two OVC Player of the Years
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – For the first time in program history, Southeast Missouri State University has the reigning Big South-OVC Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year award winners.
SEMO quarterback Paxton DeLaurent and inside linebacker Bryce Norman earned the honors following an impressive season for the two stand out athletes.
“They’re tremendous examples for our university and our players,” says SEMO football head coach Tom Matukewicz. “Future Hall of Fame inductees. You just can’t say enough about them. They leave here as champions, and we’re going to miss them.”
Paxton DeLaurent is the first quarterback in SEMO history to win the OVC Offensive Player of the year award, FOX23 had the chance to inform DeLaurent of this impressive stat.
When informed of this historic record, DeLaurent expressed was surprised and thankful.
“I just found that out, and wow, that’s really cool,” he says. “It’s a great honor, and I’m pumped to hear it.”
DeLaurent tells us he worked towards the opportunity to win this award all season long with his teammates.
“It’s something I set as a goal because it aligns with team success,” DeLaurent says. “Being conference champions took everything we had, and this recognition is a testament to that hard work. It’s a milestone I’ll look back on with even greater appreciation in the future.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Jackson Missouri native Bryce Norman gives credit to his teammates for helping him earn OVC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
“I think it’s more of a team award,” Norman says. “If the defensive line isn’t doing their job or the secondary isn’t locking things down, it doesn’t give me the freedom to make the plays I do. We’ve played well as a defense this year, and this recognition reflects that.”
SEMO’s success stretches past individual success. The Redhawks placed 11 players on the OVC First and Second Team, including versatile offensive lineman Kobe Sixkiller.
“It’s a blessing,” Sixkiller says. “I take pride in my work ethic, but I’ve had a lot of great people around me, from this organization to the community, pushing me to be the best I can be.”
Coach Matukewicz expressed the gratitude that the team feels for the players hard work and dedication.
“This week is about being thankful, and we’re certainly thankful for those guys,” he says. “We’ll appreciate them even more next year.”
DeLaurent and Norman continue to write their names in the record books for the university, and look to help lead the team to a home FCS playoff victory of Illinois State on Saturday.
Kickoff set for 11 a.m., at Houck Field.
