Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 7, 1994 TAG: 9412070127
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ANDREA KUHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Tonight, the Coe (Iowa) College senior tailback will accept the second annual award as the player of the year in NCAA Division III during the Roanoke Valley Sports Club's dinner at the Salem Civic Center.
``I think it is definitely noticed by everyone in Division III as the Heisman of Division III,'' Bender said of the Gagliardi Trophy. ``It's looked upon as being quite an honor, and I'm flattered to win it.''
Bender received 16 of 22 first-place votes for the Gagliardi, named for longtime St.John's (Minn.) coach John Gagliardi, who ranks fourth on the all-time college victories list with 317. The award is sponsored by the J-Club of St.John's and Jostens and voted on by a national panel that includes coaches, former players and media representatives.
``His physical ability ... even though he's only 5-[feet]-8, he is about 195 pounds and he just has terrific balance and speed,'' said D.J. LeRoy, Coe's coach. ``He's also just a terrific individual. He's more than just a football player. He's one of those guys that great things should happen to because of how he treats other people.''
Bender, who finished third in Gagliardi voting last year, completed his career with seven all-Divisions and 18 Division III records. Perhaps the most prominent record Bender set was during his junior year, when he rushed for 417 yards in a victory over Grinnell (Iowa), eclipsing by 21 yards the record for all Divisions set in 1991 by Tony Sands of Kansas.
``There was just something about that day ... everything was going right,'' Bender said. ``The yards just added up quicker that day than any other day.''
However, Bender said when he sits down someday to ponder his success, he thinks the records that will mean the most are the career marks. Among them: most rushing yards (6,125) and most points scored (528), which also is an all-divisions record.
``It makes me feel good that I was able to do well for all four years and not just have one really great season. And I think those numbers represent that,'' said Bender, who started every game during his Coe career.
Bender will have the distinction of joining Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy as a Coe alumnus this month when he graduates with a degree in business administration. Bender said he isn't counting on being drafted by an NFL team in the spring, but will make invitations to camps or tryouts a career priority.
``He definitely has the abilities to play at a higher level, and his numbers and records speak to that,'' said LeRoy, who added that he had been contacted by several NFL scouts. ``... The best thing that could probably happen for Carey is that he be invited to the national [scouting] combine in Indianapolis.''
If the NFL doesn't work out, Bender said he plans to join his brother working for a company that sells manufacturing parts.
Bender will take a flight into Roanoke airport from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and plans to attend the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl between Albion (Mich.) and Washington & Jefferson (Pa.) on Saturday at Salem Stadium.
Mount Union (Ohio) quarterback Jim Ballard won the inaugural Gagliardi last year, then led his team to a 34-24 victory over Rowan (N.J.) in the Stagg Bowl. Bender wasn't afforded that opportunity. The Kohawks finished the season 8-2 with a Midwest Athletic Conference championship, but no bid to the 16-team NCAA Division III playoffs.
``I guess [winning the Gagliardi] helps ease the pain a little,'' Bender said.
TICKET UPDATE: As of Tuesday, 365 tickets remained for the Stagg Bowl, which kicks off at noon. Albion sold its initial 500 tickets Monday, the first day they went on sale, and was provided with an additional 200 on Tuesday. Washington & Jefferson had sold its allotment of 750 by Tuesday morning and also was sent another 200.
Salem Stadium's capacity is listed at 7,136, which does not include potential standing-room space beyond one end zone that will become available in the event of a sellout.
Tickets, available through the Salem Civic Center box office and all Ticketmaster locations, are $8 in advance, $10 on game day and $5 for high school students and youngsters. Call 703-375-3004 or 800-288-2122.
by CNB