The Kent State football team ended its spring practice with its final workout Wednesday.

“I thought our spring session went well,” Kent State coach Doug Martin said in a press release. “We definitely improved in several areas of emphasis – most notably on the offensive line and at the running back position – and we continue to work on getting faster as a football team. We’ve developed a lot of team speed, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.”

The team announced its spring award winners as well.

Senior defensive linebacker Larry Brown was awarded the Jack Lambert Cup for being the most improved defensive player. Sophomore wide receiver Mark Woodson received the Don Nottingham Cup for the most improved offensive player. In the 2005 season, Woodson played in six of 11 games and averaged 12.5 yards.

Senior outside linebacker Andre Kirkland and sophomore offensive lineman Josh Perry shared the Matt Ramser Award for “courage, dedication, attitude and commitment.” Kirkland was fourth on the team in tackles last season, totaling 74 for the season, including 35 solo stops.

Senior defensive lineman Daniel Muir, who was named to the All-Mid-American Conference Second Team last season, earned the Gerald and Victoria Read Award for his dedication to the team. Muir played in all 11 games and posted 52 tackles for the season, including 3.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles-for-loss.

Junior quarterback Michael Machen was awarded the Leo E. Strang Award for being the team’s upperclassman with the highest grade point average. In his 10 games played last season, Machen totaled 2,036 yards and averaged 203.6 yards per game.

The Flashes finished 1-10 overall last season and 0-8 in the MAC. The 2006 campaign will begin with the team’s preseason workouts Aug. 3.

– Kali Price