CIAA SAFETY DUO NAMED TO 2001 AFCA DIVISION II COACHES' ALL-AMERICA TEAM

Waco, TX - Ralph Hunter of Virginia Union and Stephon Kelly of Winston-Salem State were both named to the American Football Coaches' Association Division II All-America Team.

Kelly, a 6-2, 215 lb senior, was the 2001 CIAA Defensive Player of the Year. Kelly led the conference with eight interceptions and 25 passes defended from his strong safety spot. Kelly led the Rams' Defense which gave up a measly 10 points per game in 2001. Kelly, a two-time All-CIAA selection chipped in 47 tackles for the CIAA Runner-Up Rams.

Hunter, a 6-3, 210 lb senior, was also named to the 2001 All-CIAA Football Team. Hunter nicknamed "Cold Hearted" known as much for his hits on opposing ballcarriers as he is for his knack for interceptions (he had seven in 2001) is considered by many to be one of the finest defensive back prospects in Division II. Hunter, a free safety, also had 44 tackles and 13 passes defended for the CIAA Champion Panthers. Hunter will conclude his career on December 22nd in Atlanta when Virginia Union faces Tuskegee in the Pioneer Bowl.

Hunter and Kelly, held in high regard in football circles, have been selected for postseason all-star contests. Kelly will represent the CIAA in the Blue Gray Football Classic on Christmas Day. Hunter will play in the Hula Bowl in January which features the top senior football players from all NCAA Divisions. Both Hunter and Kelly were selected for the 2002 Cactus Bowl NCAA Division II All-Star Game on January 11th in Kingsville, Texas.