University of Tennessee Athletics
Award Winners Announced at Annual Football Banquet
December 20, 2001 | Football
Dec. 20, 2001
The Tennessee football team held its annual Awards Banquet Thursday night at the University Center honoring the accomplishments of Vols players during the 2001 season. Over the past four years, the Vols have compiled a 40-9 record, won the 1998 national championship and the 2001 SEC Eastern Division crown, and participated in four January bowl games.
John Henderson and Travis Stephens earned All-America honors this year and were joined as All-SEC selections by Will Overstreet, Andre Lott and Fred Weary. Seniors Will Bartholomew, Brad Blaylock, John Finlayson, Eli Jones, Joey Mathews, Thomas Stallworth and Overstreet earned Academic All-SEC honors.
The individual awardees from the evening were as follows:
The Spirit of the Hill Award, presented annually by the Knoxville Quarterback Club to the Most Valuable senior football players, went to Stephens and Henderson.
The Simpson Theatres Award, presented annually to the outstanding lineman and back as selected by their teammates, went to Weary as Outstanding Lineman and Stephens as Outstanding Back. The presentation was made by Simpson Theatres of Knoxville.
Nationwide Express Quality Award, given annually by former Vols lineman Charlie Coffey in honor of the most fundamentally sound offensive and defensive players as selected by the coaching staff, went to wide receiver Bobby Graham for offense and Overstreet for defense.
The Mickey O'Brien Award, presented annually in honor of the man who served as Tennessee's trainer from 1938-72 and given by the Dr. Joe Parker Family to the senior player who best exemplifies courage and determination in overcoming physical obstacles during his career and makes a valuable contribution to the team, went to Weary.
The Bill Majors Award, presented annually to the players who best exemplify the dedication toward football displayed by Bill Majors, a Tennessee player and coach who died in 1965, went to Overstreet and Bartholomew.
The Volunteer Award, given annually to the player who enters school as a non-scholarship student-athlete and contributes greatly to the team's success during his career, went to deep snapper Dan Stacey.
The Maryville Daily Times Trophy, awarded annually to the senior scholarship player with the highest scholastic average, went to tight end John Finlayson. The award, originated in 1951 by The Knoxville Journal, has been presented by the Maryville Daily Times since 1992.
The Lifter of the Year Award, given annually to the players who show the most dedication and work discipline to improve strength as selected by the strength and conditioning staff, went to Weary and Bartholomew.
The Al Wilson Leadership Award, presented annually to the players who best lead by example on and off the field in honor of the 1998 Vols co-captain and All-America linebacker, went to Henderson, Weary, Overstreet and Bartholomew.
The Coaches Award, presented annually to the player who consistently exemplifies an unselfish attitude, puts the success of the team above his own, yet continues to perform at a high level, went to Graham.
The "Go-To Award," given to the players who consistently make big plays at critical times, went to wide receivers Donte' Stallworth and Kelley Washington.
The Special Teams Difference Maker Award, presented to the players who swing the momentum of the game with their special teams play, went to defensive back Tad Golden and placekicker Alex Walls.
