Nice to see one of the big hogs up front get some recognition.
Source: d3football.com
Gagliardi Trophy goes to a lineman
For the first time in the 16-year history of the Gagliardi Trophy, the award has been given to an offensive lineman.
On Tuesday, Augustana tackle Blaine Westemeyer will be named winner of the award, which is given to the top Division III football student-athlete and takes on-field performance, academics and community service into account. Fourteen of the previous 15 winners have played either quarterback, running back or wide receiver, with the sole exception being Wesley safety Rocky Meyers in 2004.
The award is named after St. John's coach John Gagliardi, the winningest coach in NCAA football history.
A four-year starter at offensive tackle, Westemeyer was a big reason why the Vikings consistently ranked in the top 10 in Division III in rushing offense during his first three years. This year Augustana threw the ball quite a bit more and Westemeyer was a big factor as sophomore quarterback David Lee erased Ken Anderson, former NFL MVP, from the school record books twice. He and Lee also shared the team's most valuable offensive player award.
Westemeyer is a biochemistry/pre-medicine major with a 3.94 grade point average. He is a two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America and his free time is spent in a variety of community involvement, most notably with Heartland Hospice.
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
Henry David Thoreau, Walden, Conclusion, 1854
I believe the first Heisman winner (before the trophy even had a name) was a center. Just sayin'....
That said, it's way cool that a guy could get recognition these days. Especially given that he's definitely NOT the stereotypical dummy lineman. Of course, with modern offenses the way they are, a dumb lineman would never survive. I also like that he's involved in volunteer work. That's WAY cool.
SuperHornet's Athletics Hall of Fame includes Jacksonville State kicker Ashley Martin, the first girl to score in a Division I football game. She kicked 3 PATs in a 2001 game for J-State.
