EL WINS 2001 CHICAGO TRIBUNE SILVER FOOTBALL, BIG TEN MVP

CHICAGO, December 4, 2001 – Antwaan Randle El is the only player in major-college football history to pass for more than 6,000 yards and run for more than 3,000. He led the Hoosiers to a respectable 5-6 overall record, its best showing since 1993.

On Wednesday, Randle El, who opened the season at wide receiver and switched positions to quarterback in September, will be named the winner of the 2001 Chicago Tribune Silver Football, signifying his accomplishment as Big Ten MVP. He easily outdistanced runner-up Kurt Kittner, the rifle-armed quarterback from Schaumburg who led the Fighting Illini to a conference title.

The Silver Football is determined by a vote of coaches, the Big Ten conference office and the Chicago Tribune’s sports department.

Complete details on Randle El’s MVP season and profiles of the other Big Ten team MVPs are found in college football writer Andrew Bagnato’s story, which is published in the Wednesday, December 5, Chicago Tribune Sports section. The story is also available at chicagosports.com.

The Chicago Tribune Silver Football has been awarded annually since Red Grange received it in 1924.