KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown football quarterback Judd Novak (Manheim, Pa./Manheim Central) had a breakout first season in leading KU to unprecedented new heights last fall. On Friday, Novak earned the 2023-24 KU Male Freshman of the Year honor.
 
Novak helped guide the Golden Bears to their best season in program history, finishing the season with a 12-3 overall record, a program best for victories in a single season. They went on a program-record 12-game winning streak to claim their sixth Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division title, third PSAC championship and first-ever Super Region 1 crown, advancing to the national semifinal round for the first time in program history. Kutztown was voted seventh in the final American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II National poll, a high for the program.
 
The Manheim native ended the season with 2,239 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, while rushing for 644 yards and six scores. The 21 TDs through the air ranks 10th in program history. He was voted the PSAC East Freshman of the Year and was on the PSAC's Second Team.
 
Novak is the first member of the football program to receive KU Freshman of the Year recognition since 2017.
 
Presented annually since 1993, the Kutztown University Athletics Male Freshman of the Year award recognizes a first-year Golden Bear for outstanding athletic achievement. The award is voted upon by athletic department administration, coaches and support staff.