Westfield State's Josh Mathieu receives the Joe Zabilski Award as the New England Division II/III defensive player of the year during the Greater Gridiron Club of Boston's annual college banquet on Jan. 14 in Burlington, Mass. Making the presentation is Gridiron Club member Curt Bletzer. Mathieu led the Owls' highly-ranked defense with a nation-high 22 passes defended (7 interceptions, 15 pass breakups). The senior cornerback was also a d3football.com first-team All-American. Mathieu is the second Westfield player to receive the prestigious Zabilski Award. Linebacker Josue Zamora was the 2001 New England defensive player of the year. Photo submitted by Ned Cully, Gridiron Club historian.
Westfield State coaches attended the Greater Gridiron Club of Boston's banquet to see Josh Mathieu receive the award as New England Division II/III defensive player of the year. From left to right are: defensive coordinator Pete Kowalski; Mathieu, head coach Steve Marino, and defensive secondary coach Sean O'Brien. Photo by Dave Caspole
Josh Mathieu receives the New England Division II/III defensive player of the year award. Sitting next to the podium is Greater Gridiron Club of Boston president and former Patriot quarterback Steve Grogan. Photo By Dave Caspole