Every year The Red Menace in conjunction with TheRedMenace.com give away
The Red Menace Fan Appreciation Award to outgoing seniors that have been a big
part of The Red Menace experience for the fans. Whether it is an interviews and
photos for the website, running over to The Red Menace prior to games, doing the
Lobo Leap, or inciting the crowd during the games.
Previous winners are
2000- S Scott Gerhardt
2001- S Brandon Gregory
2002- LB Billy Strother
2003- DL Kyle Coulter
This year’s Red Menace Fan Appreciation Award winner is the first Lobo
from the offensive side of the field. Since freshman year and beyond this young
man has always been there for The Red Menace fans come game day, during
practice, or if you see him on the street. He has overcome injuries, tough
games, and this year a somewhat tough season as UNM finished the season bowl
eligible but weren’t invited. Through it all he has always had a smile on his
face and humble attitude while his professional stock has skyrocketed. This
young man…
#18 WR Hank Baskett III.
You talk about the fans. I go into The Red Menace every game! That’s what
it means around here. When you guys get going it changes everything. That helps
us. I love in pre-game looking down there and hearing everybody in The Red
Menace going crazy… Booing their kickers and every time their players drop a
pass. Don’t think we don’t notice, we do! Trust me we love hearing that! -- Hank
Baskett
It has been a blessing. I have enjoyed my time here. I was sitting at
lunch the other day thinking about my college career here and I wouldn’t change
a thing, said Baskett.
Coach Long is a great man. He kept his word from the time he sat down
in my house. I loved when he went out and play corner against me. He is a
great coach and I wouldn’t have wanted to play for anyone else.
Hank goes Old School!
Every year choosing this award gets harder and harder as so many players
come out and visit with The Red Menace, whether it is Lobo Leaps, or just saying
hello. Guys like Mike Mohoric, Aaron Brack, Gabriel Fulbright and the golden
choppers, and who can ever forget the day Terrence Pennington rocket launched
former DL Daniel Kegler to Lobo Leap taking out the 1st three rows
back in ’03. We have been lucky to have great guys like this throughout the year
and we look forward to the ’06 season when new seniors and players step up for
this award and many others.
Speaking of Awards, here is a list of all the awards given during Friday
night’s banquet.
Most Valuable Offensive Scout - Freshman QB Donovan Porterie
Most Valuable Defensive Scout - JR LB Yimin Bauman
#18 Yimin Baumen
Chuck Cummings Award (Most
Inspirational Player) - JR OG Robert Turner
Outstanding Offensive Lineman - Senior
C Ryan Cook
Zia Award (Most Valuable New Mexico Player) - WR
Hank Baskett
Most Improved Player - Senior CB Mike Powdrell
Outstanding Special Teams Player -Senior LB Joe Selander
Lobo Club Award (Unselfish Devotion to the Team)
- Senior WR Aaron Brack
Col. HJ Golightly Award (Most Valuable Defensive
Player) - Senior CB Gabriel Fulbright
Reese Hill Award (Most Valuable Offensive
Player) - Senior WR Hank Baskett for 2nd straight season
Bill Brannin MVP - DonTrell Moore for
the 4th straight year; Rocky Long is the only other Lobo to win it 3 times
(1969-71)
Thank you Hank Baskett III you have been one of the most exciting players to
come to the University of New Mexico and have always been a part of The Red
Menace. As you move into your NFL career we are really looking forward to seeing
you on Sunday's. Know that there will always be a huge group of guys in Red Wigs
rooting for you. (Just a dream for me... Bill Parcells! Coach Parcells when
looking for that huge possesion receivers look next door to New Mexico and
#18 the greatest receiver in Lobo football history.)
