Friday, July 02, 2004
Booth News Service
EAST LANSING -- Quarterback Jeff Smoker was the recipient of one final award as a Michigan State student-athlete on Thursday when he was named the George Alderton Male Athlete of the Year.

Runner Jamie Krzyminski was selected as the George Alderton Female Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive year.

The Alderton awards, as well as four other awards announced by MSU, recognize individuals for their accomplishments athletically and academically.

Smoker, MSU's football MVP in 2003, led the Big Ten in passing, with 261.2 yards per game, and total offense, with 252.2 yards per game. He was selected by the St. Louis Rams in April's NFL draft.

Krzyminski was an All-American for the third consecutive year after a third-place finish in the 10,000 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships last month. The Corunna runner was also an All-American after finishing eighth in the 5,000 meters at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Steve Manz (track and field) of West Branch and Michelle Carson (cross country and track) received the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor.

All-American golfer Allison Fouch of Grand Rapids received the Chester Brewer Leadership Award, while Joe Tate (football) was given the Dr. James Feurig Achievement and Service Award.