Dec. 15, 2003

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Hardin-Simmons' football had two standouts, cornerback Alex Hansen and offensive guard Adam Hernandez, be named first-team All-American by the Don Hansen Weekly Gazette, which is one of the three major All-American teams named in Division III.

It is the second-straight year that Hansen, a junior from Southlake Carroll, has been named a first-team All-American. He had seven interceptions and often shut down his entire side of the field as teams were afraid to throw to his side. He has 16 interceptions in his career.

Hernandez led a Cowboy offense line that paved the way for Lance Moore to become the first 1,000-yard back at Hardin-Simmons since 1995. He did not allow a sack and the Cowboys allowed just 12 as a unit in 291 passing attempts. HSU averaged 200 yards per game on the ground and 457.8 yards per outing. He was named ASC Tri-Offensive Lineman of the Year and first-team All-ASC and All-South region.

It is the sixth straight year that Hardin-Simmons has had a first-team All-American lineman on one of the three major All-American teams. Both players will be back for their senior seasons next year. HSU was the tri-champion of the American Southwest Conference and were 8-2 for the third straight season.

The two Cowboys joined East Texas Baptist punter Scott Verhalen (second team punter) as the only members on the first, second or third All-American teams by the Football Gazette from an ASC school.