KNUJ FOOTBALL PLAYERS of the year are Tom Portner, left, and Kraig Thoele with their trophies from Nicklasson Athletic Company of New Ulm. Behind them are their coaches, John Mowan and Tyrone Wacker, flanking University of Minnesota Athletic Director, Paul Giel. (Photo by Lee Groebner )

A 1,000 yard rusher from New Ulm Cathedral and one of the gang leaders of the unbeaten Gaylord Spartans are the KNUJ high school football players of the year.

Tom Portner of New Ulm Cathedral and Kraig Thoele of Gaylord were honored at the 11th annual KNUJ football player of the year banquet Tuesday night at the Sleepy Eye Orchid Inn.

More than 200 people attended the banquet, addressed by Paul Giel, University of Minnesota athletic director.

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A five foot, nine inch, 172 pound scat- back, Portner was highly recommended by his coach, John Mowan. Mowan called Portner his best back in nine years of coaching at Cathedral, and one of the finest young men he’s had the privilege of coaching.

The senior tailback rushed for 1,035 yards in 157 carries, an average of 6.6 yards per carry. He scored 100 points on 14 touchdowns and two extra point runs for Cathedral, which enjoyed an 8 and 1 season record, finishing runnerup to Mankato Loyola in the DeSmet Conference.

In addition, Portner returned 14 kickoffs 340 yards for a 24 yard average, and ran back 10 punts for 118 yards. Defensively Portner was credited with 34 tackles, six pass interceptions and one fumble recovery.

A DeSmet All Conference selection, he has been endorsed by the conference coaches as one of two players for Independent All State honors.

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KRAIG THOELE personifies the physical toughness of the undefeated Gaylord Spartans. A six foot, one inch, 208 pound senior, Thoele has been a three year starter at the Gaylord football factory. Twice he has been a Tomahawk All Conference choice.

Versatility and excellence earmark the play of Thoele in the words of his coach, Ty Wacker. Last year Thoele was all conference as a defensive end; this year at offensive tackle. This year, defensively, Thoele was moved to middle linebacker by coach Wacker, who ranks him as one of the best he’s ever had at Gaylord at that position.

Thoele’s versatility and excellence includes his right leg. He often booms kickoffs into the end zone, and has been successful on 52 of 70 extra point attempts for 74 per cent the past two years.

Other lineman of the year candidates were Dana Melius; Winthrop; Brian Groebner, New Ulm Cathedral; Jim Deming, Fairfax; Myron Vogt, Lamberton; Paul Davis, Springfield; Mike Blum, Stewart; Richard Ruch, Madelia, and Tom Firle.

Backs of the week included Brian Stark, Buffalo Lake; Jay Lowinske, New Ulm; Jim Wittwer, Redwood Falls; Randy Burtzel, Wabasso; Arlie Grages, Gaylord; Alan Wilhelmi, Morgan; Greg Schmidt, Gibbon; Tom Renner, Springfield,and Rick Melby, Fairfax.

New Ulm Daily Journal, Nov. 15, 1972