Bihl Named Rimington Trophy Finalist
11/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
DALLAS, Texas -- Fifth-year senior center Mark Bihl (Washington Court House, Ohio/Washington Court House HS) of the University of Michigan football team was named one of six finalists for the 2006 Rimington Trophy by The Sports Group Thursday (Nov. 30). Bihl joins David Baas, the 2004 co-recipient of the Rimington Trophy, as the only Wolverines in history to be named finalists for the award, which honors the most outstanding center in college football.
Bihl
The other five finalists for the award are: Doug Datish (Ohio State), Ryan Kalil (Southern California), Jonathan Luigs (Arkansas), Dan Mozes (West Virginia) and Darnell Stapleton (Rutgers).
An All-Big Ten second team selection by both the coaches and media, Bihl started all 12 regular season games at center this season Directing the line calls along the offensive front, he helped pave for the way for Wolverines' No. 11 rushing offense in the nation. Earlier this week, at Michigan's annual football bust, Bihl shared the Robert P. Ufer Bequest, presented to the senior football player who shows the most enthusiasm and love for Michigan, with fifth-year senior safety Willis Barringer (Toledo, Ohio/Scott HS).
Bihl enters U-M's upcoming bowl game having started 15 consecutive games, dating back to last season, and has started 20 career games along the offensive line. The veteran center played in 28 contests along the offensive line during his tenure, and saw action in 47 career games overall.
The recipient of the Rimington Trophy will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards show, broadcast live from Orlando, Fla., on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 7. The winner is selected by determining the consensus All-American center pick from four existing All-America teams: American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Walter Camp Football Foundation (WCFF), The Sporting News and Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).
Media Contacts: David Ablauf, Jim Schneider (734) 763-4423
