After a record-shattering campaign for the Hillsdale College football team in 2023, senior tailback Michael Herzog was honored as the program's MVP at the team's annual postseason banquent on Sunday, Nov. 12.
Herzog received the Roy Beck Most Valuable Player award at the event, held in the Searle Center on the Hillsdale College campus. The MVP award was decided by a vote among all the players on Team 131.
The senior from Windsor, Ontario joins past great Chargers running backs David Graham, Joe Reverman, and Joe Glendening in earning MVP honors in the last 20 years for the Chargers.
Herzog certainly put together a season that ranks up there with the greats in Hillsdale College history. His 230 carries, 1,333 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns all rank in the top 10 all-time in Hillsdale College history in those stats, and his 2023 season ranks in the top three all time in G-MAC history in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, rushing attempts, and all-purpose yards. In a 35-17 season-ending victory over Ohio Dominican, Herzog set the G-MAC single-season rushing touchdown record with his 21st score, and his five rushing touchdowns in the game both broke the G-MAC record and tied the Hillsdale record for a single game. His 126 points scored in the 2023 also set a G-MAC record.
Herzog's performance helped the Chargers overcome an 0-4 start to finish the season 6-5 with five straight victories, the seventh time in eight seasons Hillsdale finished a campaign with a .500 or better record. In addition to being named MVP, Herzog also received the Outstanding Offensive Back award for the 2023 season.
Several other Chargers received awards at the banquet for their strong play during the 2023 season. Additional honorees include:
Howard R. "Champ" Messenger II Award – Michael Harding
Leonard Urbanik Award for Scholarship, Leadership and Ability – Ty Williams
Outstanding Offensive Lineman – Nick Affholter
Joe Vijuk Outstanding Defensive Lineman – Riley Tolsma
Outstanding Offensive Back – Michael Herzog
Ralph Miller III Outstanding Linebacker – Jacob Vance
Outstanding Defensive Back – Matt Soderdahl
E.P.E.P (Every Player Every Play) Award – Logan VanEnkevort and Sam Zemis
One Play Warrior Award – Logan VanEnkevort
Get To Award -- Luke Costantino
Captain's Award -- Garrit Aissen, Michael Herzog, Zachary Pardonnet, Riley Tolsma
Photo by Jordan Monnin