Berea, Ohio – Oberlin College junior Solomon Turner was named as one of the eight local John Payton Most Valuable Players by the Cleveland Touchdown Club Charities Incorporation (CTCC), the organization announced on Saturday evening at its annual banquet on the campus of Baldwin-Wallace College.

The CTCC, which is in its 72nd year of existence, honors outstanding student-athletes and coaches from high schools and colleges from the greater Cleveland area.

Joining Turner as Payton Most Valuable players are Baldwin-Wallace College and former St. Edward High School quarterback Anthony Gardner, Case Western Reserve University and former Willoughby South High School QB Dan Whalen, Hiram College and Brush High School linebacker Humphrey Caswell, John Carroll University and Canfield High School WR Frank Ross, Lake Erie College and Brunswick High School QB Sean Bedevlsky, Mt. Union and Lake Catholic High School WR Vince Petruziello, Notre Dame College and Midpark High School defensive end Bob Hansen.

Turner was recommended for the award by the Oberlin coaching staff for his outstanding play on the gridiron and service to the team this past fall.

Turner led the Yeomen with 78 tackles while starting nine of the 10 games he played in during the 2009 season. The Greensboro, North Carolina, native added four pass break-ups, one interception, one sack and one forced fumble. He recorded double-digit tackles in two contests, including a career-high 14 against national power Wabash on October 31. He is also a standout sprinter on the Oberlin College track and field team where he is a member of three school-recording setting relay teams.

For more information about the CTCC, visit their website at http://www.clevelandtouchdownclub.org/