KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Senior linebackers BJ Smith and Sean Bauer's careers aren't done quite yet. In an announcement from the Tazón de Estrellas (Bowl of the Stars), both Smith and Bauer were selected to represent Team Stars and Stripes in the game on Dec. 17.
The postseason bowl game selects the top Division III talent from around the country to take on a group of All Stars from the CONADEIP private universities in Mexico. 2016 marks the eighth meeting between the American All Stars and the Mexican All Stars.
Smith and Bauer were staples for the Hornet defense throughout the 2016 season. Bauer did it all recording 91 tackles, two sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and one interception. Smith did his best work in pass coverage recording three interceptions and three pass breakups while also recording 45 total tackles.
With their selection to the Tazón de Estrellas, Bauer and Smith are now the eighth players in Kalamazoo history to play in the Tazón de Estrellas. 54 players from 22 Division III schools were selected to represent the United States in this year's game.
The American All Stars hold a slight 4-3 lead over the Mexican All Stars in the game's history.
Players are scheduled to arrive in Mexico on Sunday, Dec. 11 to begin practicing and installing the team's game plan.