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YSU’s Kurt Hess named MVFC freshman of year
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YSU quarterback Kurt Hess
By Jon Moffett
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown State quarterback Kurt Hess proved just how many eyes he opened this season by being named the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s Freshman of the Year on Wednesday.
He’s only the second YSU player to receive the award.
“I was pretty excited when I found out,” Hess said. “It’s obviously a great honor, especially in this conference, to be recognized in that way.”
Hess, a redshirt freshman from Dayton, played in all 11 contests for the Penguins this season. He completed 179 of his 304 passes (59 percent) for 2,117 yards. He threw 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also rushed 62 times for 141 yards and three scores.
Hess said he was unaware he had been named the conference’s top player until the announcement was made. He had been named to the MVFC All-Newcomer team earlier, along with freshmen running back Adaris Bellamy and punter Nick Liste (Niles).
“I didn’t hardly know anything about it,” Hess said. “I knew the conference’s first- and second-teams came out a few days ago and some of our guys were on it. But I didn’t really expect much of it. So I was pretty unaware.”
Hess admitted the award is even more surprising considering the Penguins’ 3-8 record. The Penguins were 1-7 in the MVFC.
Hess added that the award proves how much respect the Penguins earned among their conference peers. And the MVFC is a tough conference to play in, he said.
“It’s a deep conference. The last place team from last year had a great year this year,” Hess said. “Any week, any team can beat any other team no matter what place you’re in. You have to prepare every week. You may not come out on top every week, but you have to prepare like you’re playing the best team.”
Hess, who threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to receiver Dominique Barnes in the season-opener at Penn State, said he’s already itching to start playing again.
“It’s going to be a long offeseason,” Hess said. “But we need it to improve. We need to get stronger, faster, and that applies to me too.”
Hess said he’d like to work more on his game management and overall knowledge of the game for next year.