East Grand Rapids RB is Div. 3-4 Player of the Year

MONROE, Mich. (AP) - Joe Glendening rushed East Grand Rapids to the past two Division 3 state championship games. The Pioneers go for a third tomorrow.

For his efforts, the senior tailback is the unanimous choice as The Associated Press Division 3-4 Player of the Year.

East Grand Rapids coach Peter Stuursma, who's led the Pioneers to four state titles during his eight years, calls Glendening the best player in the state. But he adds that Glendening will think of the award as an honor for his offensive line, not himself.

Jason Byers earned Coach of the Year honors after guiding Warren Fitzgerald to a 10-2 record. In just two years, he's turned the program around after it had back-to-back 0-9 seasons.