PROVO -- BYU's Football team received two awards during BYU's very first Y-Awards, similar to the ESPY's and the Academy Awards, April 7, 2004
Defensive coordinator Bronco Mendenhall and quarterback Todd Mortensen both received awards given to those student athletes, coaches and citizens who excelled in scholastic, academic or service to the community and university.
Bronco Mendenhall came away with Assistant Coach of the Year honors.
Mendenhall's defense was one of the bright spots in the 2003 football season. His strict coaching along with the respect he receives from his players made BYU's defense the nation's 14th best last season.
"He is a great coach and has come in and turned our defense around in one year," defensive back Brandon Heaney said.
Todd Mortensen was honored with the Kimball memorial award, for the second straight year. The award is given to the athlete that has lettered at least twice and has the highest GPA.
Mortensen has been able to juggle football along with performing well in school. He has lettered three times in football and this past year helped the Cougars beat New Mexico when he came in for an injured Matt Berry. Mortensen has also been awarded a Hinckley Scholarship for his scholastic performance.
Mortensen is not only talented in sports and academics but also is an accomplished pianist and composer.
Mortensen and Mendenhall both emulate BYU's mission statement where he is committed to excellence and the full realization of human potential is pursued.
Coaches and athletic administration nominated athletes for the Y-awards. Winners were selected by a vote of the student athletes, comprised of BYU's 21 athletic teams.
Others who received honors were
Claire ThomasRookie of the Year
Brad CattermoleHead Coach of the Year (Women's Gymnastics)
Aleisha RoseLu Wallace Oustanding Senor Feamle Athlete Award and Deseret Book Female Athlete of the Year award.
Fernando PessoaEd Stein Outstanding Senor Male Athlete award
Ulia CrabbeWalk-On of the Year
Lindsey MetcalfCougar Club Memorial Award
Borgan Jacobsen Female Crowd pleaser Award
Carlos MorenoMale Crowd pleaser Award
Jeff HopkinsonFloyd Johnson Service Award
Mike HallPlay of the Year
Mark BigelowDale McCann Spirit of Sport Award
Rafael AraujoMale Athlete of the Year
Sahara CastilloLeona Holbrook Spirit of Sport Award