Frankfort, Ky.—Following a year of notable accomplishments by the Kentucky State University football program, head coach John L. Smith was named the SIAC Coach of the Year on Friday.

In his first season, Smith led KSU to the West division title with a 3-1 record in SIAC divisional games. The Thorobreds defeated nationally-ranked Tuskegee, 10-9 on the road on Oct. 22. KSU also took down the reigning SIAC football champions, Miles College 28-24 on Oct. 15. Earlier in the season, KSU defeated Fort Valley State 28-10 at Wildcat Stadium. The Thorobreds will meet Fort Valley State in the SIAC championship game on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m in Montgomery, Ala. at the Cramton Bowl.

Along with the Coach of the Year selection, quarterback Jules St. Ge was named the SIAC Freshman of the Year. The 6'1 freshman from Lakeland, Fla. tallied 1172 yards of total offense ranking him No. 9 in the conference while recording six touchdowns. His best game of the season came against Fort Valley State where he completed 10-of-17 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown.

Six other Thorobreds were tabbed for SIAC honors. Senior running back Reginal Harris and sophomore offensive lineman Marcus Campbell Jr. were selected to the SIAC All-Conference Second Team. Both Harris and Campbell Jr. were named to the All-Conference Second team in 2015.

On the other side of the ball senior linebacker Travon Spencer, senior defensive back Vincent Edwards Jr., and junior defensive lineman Rodriguez Jones were named to the SIAC-All-Conference Second Team for defense.

Rounding out the All-Conference honors was senior kicker Bill Rose, as he was also selected to the second team. This is the second straight season Rose has been named to the All-Conference Second Team.