KAUKAUNA — Kaukauna senior Mitch Verstegen has been named a finalist for the Joe Thomas Award is given annually to the state’s top senior offensive lineman as part of the WSN Senior Football Awards.
The award is named after former Brookfield Central and University of Wisconsin athlete Joe Thomas, who went on to great success in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns.
After an All-American career at UW, Thomas was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl each of his first ten years in the league and was inducted to the NFL Hall of Fame
Verstegen earned unanimous First Team All-Conference recognition in the FVA last year, a league long known for producing high-level offensive line talent, according to Travis Wilson of Wissports.net.
He is a repeat unanimous pick this season for the Galloping Ghosts, adding Offensive Lineman of the Year laurels in the FVA.
His potential was certainly recognized at the collegiate level, where he garnered considerable FBS and FCS interested, with his first offer coming via FCS national champion South Dakota State before ultimately committing to Big Ten team Indiana in mid-April.
Winners are announced the week of the state finals.
