Ludemann selected to NEFW All-New England Team

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Thirty-one conference all-stars representing 19 schools from the six New England Division II and III football playing conferences have been selected to the 2023 New England Football Writers Association All-New England team. The team, selected by a committee of representatives from the six conferences, honors the best Division II and III players by position in New England from the 2023 season. The NEWMAC saw five football student-athletes honored by the New England Football Writers, including a Seahawk linebacker.

Springfield led the way with three selections, as Thomas Evans (Hooksett, N.H.), Arsen Shtefan (West Hartford, Conn.) and Quinn Sweeney (Hanson, Mass.) were each honored. U.S. Coast Guard Academy's Broock Desta (San Diego, Calif.) and Salve Regina University's Zachary Ludemann (Howell, N.J.) were also honored.

Evans was outstanding on Springfield's offensive line this season, helping the Pride have the top rushing offense in the country, while also ranking sixth nationally in tackles for loss allowed with 36. 

Shtefan was one of the main reasons for the Pride's successful rushing season, as the fullback produced a team-best 1,272 yards, finding the end zone nine times on the season. The NEWMAC Football Offensive Player of the Year recorded over 100 rushing yards in seven of the Pride's regular season games. 

Sweeney had a breakout final season with the Pride on the defensive line as he was tabbed NEWMAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year as he totaled 49 tackles, including 8.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks, while also forcing a pair of fumbles.

Ludemann shared Defensive Athlete of the Year honors with Sweeney, as he was the catalyst of a Seahawk defense that led the league in points allowed at 10.3 per game. He led the conference in solo tackles with 53 and total tackles with 93, averaging a league-leading 9.3 tackles per game. Ludemann was also second in the conference in tackles for loss with 11 for 30 yards. He tacked on three sacks, an interception, and a safety.    

Desta was one of three wide recievers to make the team. Desta had 1154 receiving yards in 75 receptions. He set the Coast Guard single season records for receptions and receiving yards. Desta finished first in the NEWMAC in receiving yards and ninth in NCAA DIII. His season high came against Anna Maria on September 9th, where he recorded 237 receiving yards. Desta scored nine receiving TDs and one rushing. 

The team will be honored at the New England Football Writers Captains and Awards Banquet on Thursday, December 7, at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center.