PISCATAWAY, NJ - Senior linebacker Brian Bender (Shenendoah, PA), junior tight end Chris Loomis (Maple Shade, NJ), and senior defensive back Brandon Haw (Cheverly, MD) were recipients of annual awards for their efforts during the Rutgers University football team's Spring Practice 2003.

The awards were voted on by the Rutgers football coaching staff. Each of the three players was honored in a halftime ceremony at the annual Scarlet-White Game.

Bender earned the Frank R. Burns Award, given to the player who has "demonstrated extraordinary mental and physical toughness" during spring practice. Bender was a starter at linebacker throughout last season and is the second leading returning tackler from the 2002 season, when he had 81 tackles.

Loomis earned the Mark Mills Second Effort Award, given to the offensive player "who has shown the most improvement during the off-season and the Spring practice." Loomis appeared in all 12 games last season, and had 11 receptions for 110 yards and a TD.

Haw earned the Douglas A. Smith Second Effort Award, given to a defensive player "who through determination, dedication and hard work has shown the most improvement off-season and the Spring practice." Haw led Rutgers with four interceptions, and added 35 tackles, last season.