This past Monday, December 2, senior Derek Clenin, along with Coach Bobby Alston, Coach Phil Massey, and Coach Barry Ray, headed to Nashville to participate in the 2002 American General Mr. Football Awards Luncheon held at the Opryland Hotel.
Clenin, along with McCallie's Ryan Moore and MBA's Michael Fisher, had been nominated as the three finalists for the Division II, Class AAA Back of the Year.
Though Clenin did not win the award, his season and impact on the 2002 Owls cannot be downplayed. The MUS running back tallied 1011 yards rushing this year and had 18 touchdowns. He also had 177 receiving yards and was an effective return man. His 1476 all-purpose yards this year leaves him third on the career all-purpose yardage list. His rushing total also gives him 2411 rushing yards for his MUS career, leaving him fourth all-time. Outstanding numbers.
The athletic program and school will miss the leadership and effort Clenin has provided throughout his MUS career.