MC’s Tanney is semi-finalist for ‘academic Heisman’ honor

Release Date: October 4, 2005

MONMOUTH, Ill. — Monmouth College quarterback Mitch Tanney is among 184 seniors or graduate students in the nation vying for college football’s most prestigious academic honor, the Draddy Trophy.

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) recently announced the 2005 semi-finalists, who are also candidates for the NFF 2005 National Scholar-Athlete Awards.

Known in many circles as the “academic” Heisman Trophy, the Draddy Trophy continues to be one of college football’s most sought after and competitive awards, recognizing an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.

“The Draddy epitomizes everything right about college football,” said NFF president Steven J. Hatchell. “By recognizing this group, we highlight the countless hours and demands that each college football player must balance as they pursue their dreams of a higher education and their passion for football. The NFF has both the privilege and responsibility to pay tribute to this exceptional group of role models, who truly embody the term student-athlete.”

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, semi-finalists must be in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Established to honor former NFF chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, a Manhattan College quarterback who founded the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a stunning 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

Tanney, who has led Monmouth to a 5-0 record an average of 41.2 points per game, is one of 43 semi-finalists from Division III. Halfway through this season, Tanney has completed more than 75 percent of his passes (104-of-138) for 1,250 yards and 17 TDs while being intercepted just twice. His passer efficiency rating of 189.2 is ranked fourth in Division III and sixth in all of NCAA football.

The NFF Awards Committee, composed of former coaches, Hall of Famers and college administrators, will select and announce 15 finalists on Oct. 27. The winner, also selected by the committee, will be announced at the 48th NFF Awards Dinner on Dec. 6 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Each finalist will also be recognized that night as part of the 2005 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.

Division I semi-finalists include Michigan’s Jason Avant, Northwestern’s Brett Basanez, Minnesota’s Greg Eslinger, Notre Dame’s Brandon Hoyte, Indiana’s William Lumpkin, Penn State’s Michael Robinson, Ohio State’s Brandon Schnittker and Purdue’s Matthew Turner. Semi-finalists from other divisions include Stafford Davis of Illinois State and Aaron Kuzniar of Augustana.

Launched in 1959, the NFF scholar-athlete program became the first initiative in history to credit a player for both academic and athletic accomplishments. The Draddy, first awarded in 1990, adds to the program’s mystique. Past Draddy winners include two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist and a Heisman Trophy winner. Quarterbacks Bobby Hoying, Danny Wuerffel, Peyton Manning, Chad Pennington and Craig Krenzel have all won the award.

With 119 chapters and over 10,000 members nationwide, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in America’s young people. More information is available at www.footballfoundation.org.

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