St. Thomas football assistant coach Wallie Kuchinski has been named the 2011 Division III Defensive Coordinator of the Year by the FootballScoop.com website.

Kuchinski was selected in a vote of coaches assembled for the website. He  was chosen on a final ballot from fellow finalists Brian Borland of UW-Whitewater and Clay Richardson of Cal Lutheran.

Despite losing three starters to season-ending injuries in 2011, Kuchinski guided a UST balanced defense that set a school record for sacks (49); had 111 tackles for loss; got interceptions or fumbles from 19 different players; allowed just 10.1 points a game; and led Division III in rushing yards allowed among teams that played a full season schedule (56.7 ypg).

The Tommies (13-1) had a school-record 13 wins and reached the NCAA playoff semifinals for the first time in program history. UST allowed just four touchdowns in four NCAA playoff games (three to national champion UW-Whitewater).

Click here to see the full website news release:

http://footballscoop.com/coaching-awards/2011-coaches-of-the-year/2011-division-iii-coordinator-of-the-year