Colorado School of Mines' Stephen Immel has earned Third Team All-Southwest Region (NCAA Division II) honors from Don Hansen's Football Gazette, as announced today by the Southwest Region Chair.

A 6'6", 330-lb. senior offensive lineman from Richardson, Texas (J.J. Pearce High School), Immel earned recognition on the 2007 Pre-Season All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference team. Immel went on to garner First Team All-RMAC accolades this fall as the Orediggers led the RMAC in passing offense (247.8 ypg).

During his junior season in 2006, Immel helped to pave the way for the Orediggers' first 1,000-yard rusher since 1939. A four-year starter at right guard, Immel helped guide CSM's 2005 offense that finished 12th nationally in total offense and sixth in the country in passing offense. During Immel's redshirt freshman season on the CSM offensive line in 2004, the Orediggers led the country in passing offense and finished second in the nation in total offense.

Colorado School of Mines concluded the 2007 season with a 7-5 overall record and competed in the 2007 Dixie Rotary Bowl (one of two sanctioned NCAA Division II bowl games) on December 1st in St. George, Utah. The Orediggers went 6-2 in the RMAC this fall and secured their sixth winning season in the past seven years.

Jeff Duggan is the athletic information officer for Colorado School of Mines.