Michigan Tech linebacker Samuel Kinne extends to try to block a pass attempt from Saginaw Valley State quarterback Mike O’Horo during a game Saturday, Nov. 11, at Kearly Stadium in Houghton. (David Archambeau/For the Gazette)
HOUGHTON — Michigan Tech Huskies football senior defensive lineman Samuel Kinne has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the GLIAC’s Jack H. McAvoy Award, which is presented annually to a GLIAC football player who best combines outstanding character and leadership on the field, in the classroom and the community.
The award is named for former Hillsdale College Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach, Jack McAvoy, who was instrumental in founding the Midwest Intercollegiate Football Conference (MIFC), now known as the GLIAC.
“It is a tremendous honor for Sam to be recognized for this award,” Huskies coach Dan Mettlach said. “He represents Michigan Tech and our football program very positively, extending into the community, classroom and on the football field.
“Sam is a man of very high character, holds himself to the highest standards, and was the driving force behind our team culture. His work ethic is unparalleled and he was a leader for our team in every aspect. His impressive accomplishments as a player were also matched by his academic success, earning a degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration. Sam had an outstanding career at Michigan Tech, and I do not doubt that we will continue to see great things from him in the future.”
On the gridiron, the Metamora, Michigan, native was a team captain for the 2023 season, being named to the Second Team All-GLIAC (defense) playing in all 10 games. He played in 30 games for Tech over his career, competing in every game in the 2019, 2021 and 2023 seasons, totaling 136 tackles and seven sacks. Kinne concluded his career with his best season, producing 62 total tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery he returned for a 47-yard touchdown in the season and home opener against Hillsdale.
He was named to the All-GLIAC First Team in 2021 and earned the Fred Baird Defensive Player of the Year team award. In the 2021 campaign, Kinne had 43 total tackles to go with three sacks for 19 yards and 4.5 tackles for loss.
Academically, Kinne was a three-time GLIAC Academic Excellence team member and completed his chemical engineering degree last spring, holding a 3.82 GPA and will be completing his MBA this spring.
Kinne becomes the third Husky player to receive this prestigious award and the first in 23 years. Quarterback Alex Kowalski earned the award in 2000, with the first Michigan Tech recipient going to wide receiver Eric Tree in 1997.
