University of Idaho punter Bobby Cowan and Vandal volleyball coach Debbie Buchanan were honored at last Saturday's North Idaho Hall of Fame banquet for their achievements during their 2011 seasons.

Cowan was chosen the Male College Athlete of the Year, while Buchanan was honored as the College Coach of the Year.

Cowan gained recognition after becoming just the second Vandal in school history to be honored as a Football Writers' Association of America all-American, while Buchanan earned the accolade after becoming the winningest volleyball coach in University of Idaho history.

Cowan averaged 46.4 yards per kick and had a career long punt of 76 yards during the 2011 season. He was a Ray Guy Award semifinalist and is the Vandals' all-time career punting average leader with 45.2 yards per kick, which comes from covering 8,552 yards on 189 punts.

Buchanan led Idaho to a 16-12 overall record, a 10-4 record in WAC play and the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament, Idaho's highest finish since joining the WAC. Idaho finished the regular season on a five-match winning streak to clinch second place in the WAC on the final day of conference play. The Vandals went 10-2 overall since Oct. 1, and in that time Buchanan surpassed Tom Hilbert as Idaho's all-time winningest coach with 179 career wins.