The Hope College football team has presented quarterback TJ VanDyken its Allan C. Kinney Award for the maximum overall contribution to the Flying Dutchmen during the 2014 season.
VanDyken is a senior from Zeeland, Michigan (Zeeland East HS). He was given the award at a recent team banquet.
Senior linebacker Cody Lindemulder of Mulliken, Michigan (Lakewood HS), was selected Team Defensive MVP at the banquet, while senior receiver Taylor Brynaert of Washington, Michigan (Romeo HS), was chosen Team Offensive MVP.
The Allan C. Kinney Award has been presented annually since 1971 by the football coaching staff to a senior player for maximum contribution to the football program. This award is named in memory of Allan C. Kinney, a member of the Hope College football team who died of cancer in his senior year in 1967.
Allan was a business major from 1964-67 who was heavily involved in many aspects of campus life, from the football team, to the Fraternal Society, to the Kemper Scholars - a highly selective business leadership development program. From the records that were kept, it is clear that he lived his life with a passion for being involved with and contributing to Hope's community. Sadly, Allan was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on November 11th, 1967 - less than a year away from his graduation.
To honor his memory, Allan's parents, Norm and Louise Kinney, established the Allan C. Kinney Award through the football program. During the years before their deaths, they would personally present the award at the post-season banquet.
The Allan C. Kinney Memorial Award was also established to honor an outstanding Business Management and Economics student. The award is presented at the college's annual Honors Convocation.