GOLDEN, Colo. - Colorado School of Mines held its annual football banquet Sunday, celebrating the program's historic 2023 season and its seniors while handing out postseason awards at the Green Center.

Quarterback John Matocha, linebacker Nolan Reeve, and punter Blake Doud were named the players of the year in their respective phases of the game, while running back Noah Roper earned Newcomer of the Year honors. The Tom Mean Spirit Award, which is given to an on-field leader who exhibits great passion and sportsmanship for the game of football, went to both Matocha and center Steele Petty, and the Iron Digger Award, given to a player who demonstrates outstanding commitment to their development through strength and conditioning, went to linebacker Evan Alexander.

Quarterback Brock Zanetell and linebacker Caden Best were named the offensive and defensive Scout Team Players of the Year, respectively, for their performances in helping Mines prepare for their opponents each week. Robyn and Jeff Petty won the Biggest Fan Award in recognition of their family's dedication to the Mines Football program in running the Quarterback Club. 

Mines' senior class departs as the winningest in program history with 51 wins in the last four seasons and 61 in the last five. They made five consecutive postseasons, winning the region three times, and advancing to the national title game twice. 
The Orediggers set a program record for wins in 2023, going 14-1 as they won their fifth consecutive RMAC title and the first under AFCA regional coach of the year Pete Sterbick. 
 

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Mines Football 2023 Team Awards
Offensive Player of the Year - John Matocha
Defensive Player of the Year - Nolan Reeve
Scott Hahn Special Teams Player of the Year - Blake Doud
Newcomer of the Year - Noah Roper
Tom Mead Spirit Award - John Matocha and Steele Petty
Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year - Brock Zanetell
Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year - Caden Best
Iron Digger Award - Evan Alexander
Biggest Fan Award - Robyn and Jeff Petty