Gerald J. Ford stadium’s upper level was packed with proud parents and excited players to honor the 2001 SMU football team Friday night.

Head coach Phil Bennett led the awards banquet despite not being a part of the 2001 season. Bennett presented the awards that recognized team award winners and graduating Mustangs.

“I didn’t coach the seniors last year, but it is so obvious how much class and determination they had while playing,” Bennett said. “When they went and played at North Carolina, they knew they were playing a probable bowl contender. They didn’t let that get to them because they played the entire game with all their hearts.”

The team also honored the players that excelled in the classroom. A number of players maintained a 3.0 GPA over the season.

Player awards ranged from team Most Valuable Player to the player that displays the most hustle and desire to win. This year’s winners in those categories were junior cornerback Jonas Rutledge and senior running back Jason “Pip” Pipkins, respectively.

In addition to being named All-WAC last season, Rutledge was one of the recipients of the Mustang Club award, which is given to the team’s defensive MVP.

Rutledge also received the A. Kenneth Pye President’s Award, which recognizes the player that contributes the most to the total success of the football program.

Pipkins was also one of two recipients of the Alumni Association Award, given to the graduating seniors who show outstanding character on and off the football field. The other player to receive this award was senior lineman Johnson Patman.

Pipkins was also given the “M” Association Award, which is given to the player who shows hard work, determination and team spirit typical of a letterman. Pipkins garnered the same award last year.

Other awards worth noting were the Mustang Club Offensive MVP and the James T. Bradley “New Mustang” Award, honoring the SMU freshman who performs most consistently during the season.

The offensive MVP’s were junior wide receiver Chris “Comet” Cunningham, junior quarterback David Page and junior tight end John Hampton. The freshman of the year award went to running back ShanDerrick Charles.

The team, which concluded spring play Saturday, is filled with excitement and a sense of readiness.

“I think that the spring went well. The coaches know what they are doing,” sophomore quarterback Tate Wallis said. “Everyone around here wants to win. The 2001 season is over. Let’s get it on.”