Four Broncos earn All-MAC football honors
Dec. 3, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Four members of the Western Michigan University football team were named to the All-Mid-American Conference football teams Dec. 2 in an announcement made by the league office.
Tight end Mobolaji Afariogun of Detroit and defensive ends Jason Babin of Paw Paw, Mich., and Chris Browning of Batavia, Ill., were named to the first team, while linebacker Bryan Lape of Jackson, Mich., received honorable mention for the second straight year. Voting was conducted by the league's 14 head coaches.
"All four of those guys had great seasons and really developed as leaders on our team," said sixth-year coach Gary Darnell. "I think their contributions went beyond what people saw on the field, their commitment to the classroom and community service. We had other guys who were deserving as well."
Afariogun earns All-MAC honors for the third time in his career, having been named to the first team in 2000 and the second team last year. The 6-4, 262-pound senior posted career-best numbers in leading the Broncos with five touchdown receptions, while finishing second in receptions (39) and third in receiving yards (417). His collegiate career will conclude with an appearance in the Paradise Bowl All-Star Game Jan. 25 in St. George, Utah.
Babin, who achieved All-MAC second team status last year, was a dominating force in the conference this season. He led the MAC in sacks (15) and tackles for losses (26), setting WMU season records in the process. The 6-4, 265 junior also finished third in team tackles (94) and was named MAC West Division Defensive Player of the Week Nov. 25.
Browning receives All-MAC consideration for the second time. He earned second team honors in 2000. The 6-2, 235-pound senior placed fifth in team tackles (69), second in tackles for loss (13), sacks (4.5) and quarterback hurries (5). An iron man for the Broncos, Browning missed just one game during his four-year career, appearing in 46 contests.
Lape surpassed the 100-tackle plateau for a second straight season, leading the Broncos with 108 stops to rank 18th among MAC players. His four forced fumbles was second-best only to teammate Jason Feldpausch in the MAC, paving the way to the third-best career total (10) in school history. Lape recorded nine tackles for losses and 3.5 sacks to anchor the No.1 rated defense in the MAC.
Media contact: Daniel Jankowski, 269 387-4138, daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu