Swanson Hoping He Can Sack Up Buchanan Award

Brennen Swanson ended his career at Cal State Northridge as the Matadors’ career leader in sacks.

But Swanson has one more prize within his grasp--the Buck Buchanan Award.

Swanson, a senior linebacker-defensive end and cornerstone of the Northridge defense, is among 16 candidates for the award, presented annually to the top defensive player in Division I-AA.

Swanson is the only candidate from the Big Sky Conference and would become the first Buchanan winner from the Big Sky.

The award is named for the former Kansas City Chief and Grambling State defensive tackle. Postseason awards are scheduled to be announced Dec. 6.

Swanson finished his four-year career with 30 1/2 sacks, including a team-high 11 1/2 this season. His emphasis on the pass rush during the latter half of the season spurred a defensive rally by the Matadors.

Swanson led Northridge with eight tackles and one sack Saturday in a season-ending loss to Northern Arizona.

“We knew we had to step up this season and I think we did,” Swanson said.

Swanson might not win the award but he was the most consistent player on defense for the Matadors this season.

Swanson and fullback Jaumal Bradley were the only players selected to the all-conference first team.

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Defensive backs Chazz Moore, Rahman Sparks and Steve Forte, linebacker Lewis Blanton, and punter Ethan Beck received honorable mention on the Big Sky football team.

Second-team selections include defensive tackle Shawnbay Jones and cornerback Mel Miller.

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Representatives from the Big West Conference toured athletic facilities at Northridge this week for the second time in a month, an indication the conference might be preparing to invite Northridge to join.

Dick Dull, Northridge athletic director, has met repeatedly with Dennis Farrell, Big West commissioner, but Dull said no decisions have been made.

The Big West is also considering UC Riverside as an addition.

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The Matadors have signed softball recruits Sondra Milchikee, a catcher from El Toro High; Sara Summers, a catcher from Escondido, and Vanessa Monje, a shortstop from Baldwin Park.

Milchikee, an All-South Coast League selection, is expected to play outfield for the Matadors.

Summers is a three-time All-Valley League selection.

Monje, a four-year varsity player, was an All-Valley Vista League selection.

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Alexis Cormier and Laura Szymanski were selected to the All-Big Sky women’s volleyball tournament team for Northridge, which lost to Northern Arizona in five games in the final Saturday at Sacramento.

Cormier had 14 digs and four blocks. Szymanski had 15 digs and 11 kills.