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Defensive Back Richie Schumacher and punter Eric Phillips were selected second-team all-MIAA by league coaches on Monday while six other ‘Dogs earned honorable mention all-league accolades.

Schumacher (Crystal Lake, Ill., Crystal Lake South)was second in the nation in tackles with 130 this season as the junior registered 66 solo stops and 64 assisted tackles in 11 games. 

Schumacher’s total tied Mike Bellers’ 1987 tackle mark for fifth all-time single-season since defensive records were tracked in 1972. 

He recorded over 10 tackles in nine games this season with a season-high 16 against the University of Central Missouri. 

In addition to the tackles, Schumacher had a forced fumble, two interceptions and had a blocked punt for a touchdown. Schumacher came into the season with 114 total tackles.

Phillips (Overland Park, Kan., Blue Valley NW) became just the sixth Bulldog punter since 1960 to average over 40 yards per punt this season.

Phillips averaged 42.9 yards in 55 punts, which was sixth in Division II this season and second in Truman single-season punting behind the 43.2 mark set by Bob Fletcher in 1979. He had 13 punts over 50 yards including a 75-yard boot against Southwest Baptist and a 63-yard punt against Emporia State. 

Phillips had 14 punts inside the 20, seven fair caught and nine touchbacks. 

Phillips also had an 80-yard free kick in a game against the University of Central Missouri that did not count into his punting statistics.

Wide Receivers Anthony Brown and Dallas Grier along with offensive lineman Blake Holland, defensive end Patrick Blackwell, linebacker Wade Pelc and kicker Derek Koon were named honorable mention all-MIAA.

The 2011 Bulldogs finished the season with a record of 4-7 overall and 2-7 in the MIAA.

Courtesy Truman State University