“The purpose of the award is for somebody who maybe doesn’t get a lot of credit in terms of recognition from the conference or who doesn’t have the big numbers,” said Hammar, ”But they work hard every day, come out ready to play and try to be good leaders and set a good example on the field. I guess the coaches thought I was that kind of person.

“Getting that award meant a lot to me. I made me feel like I had something to show for the work I’ve been doing.”

Hammar did put up big numbers once in his career – record-setting numbers, in fact. In 1999, in his second career start, he made a school-record 27 tackles against Grove City, many against All-America fullback R.J. Bowers. Unfortunately for Hammar, the Mules lost the game in overtime.

“There was another play that game where I made a big mistake and that had an impact on the game,” he recalled. “I think of that more than the statistics I had in the game. If we had won the game, it would have felt like more of a feat.”

More typical of Hammar’s play is the quietly efficient job he did as the Mules’ punter during Saturday’s 47-3 win against Dickinson. Although his average for six kicks was only 34.0, he landed five of them inside the 25, including one that was downed on the 2-yard line.

Hammar is the most experienced player in the Mules’ secondary. He recorded his 100th career tackle two weeks ago against Cal Lutheran and has three career interceptions.

When he’s not putting the “Hammar” down on opposing ballcarriers, the native of Long Valley, N.J., is focusing on getting his elementary education certiifcation and majoring in history.

“I like to read history,” he said. “Especially ancient history, stuff there’s really not as many records of, so there’s room for interpretation.”