Two Mercyhurst football players, Ben Gysin and T.J. Latimer, recently earned the 2014 Don Hansen NCAA Division II Honorable Mention All-American honors. Both players played a huge role in sparking Mercyhurst to a seven-game win-streak to conclude the 2014 season.

Offensive lineman Ben Gysin, from East Palestine, Ohio, says he was notified about earning the award from Head Coach Marty Schaetzle.

“It’s very flattering and humbling, and I’m thankful and appreciative of it,” Gysin said.

Gysin had a stellar career playing for Mercyhurst. He never missed a start in his four seasons of playing, totaling 44 consecutive games played.

He was a key component to the team in 2014. He led an offensive line which averaged 401 yards of total offense in its 11 games, while only giving up 10 sacks.

“I was fortunate to not gain any serious injuries during my career,” Gysin said.

Gysin, who graduated in December, now works for his local middle school back home. However, he plans to join the Air force.

“I will definitely miss it. It’s just starting to set in now that I’m done there, especially since they start spring ball soon,” he said.

Fullback T.J. Latimer, from Warren Pa., was also an essential part of the Laker’s offense. Off of 25 receptions, Latimer had 280 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season. Latimer found out about the award from his mother.

“I had no clue that it even existed,” he said. “My mom informed me about it. Obviously a big honor to receive it; but, at the same time, football is a team sport. I don’t think this could have been accomplished without the help of my teammates.”

The Laker football team begins spring ball after Easter break. As for next season, Latimer said it was too early to make any predictions.

“Tough to say at this point where we’re at,” he said. “But, we’ll need to start at a better pace than last year, which will take effort from everybody.”