Monmouth College’s Tanney named finalist for DIII Heisman

Release Date: November 22, 2005

MONMOUTH, Ill. – Excellence on the field and in the classroom are paying big dividends for Monmouth College senior quarterback Mitch Tanney (Lexington, Ill./Lexington).

Tanney was named one of 10 finalists for the prestigious Gagliardi Trophy, often referred to as the Division III Heisman.

The award, presented to the outstanding football player in NCAA Division III, honors excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The award program is sponsored by Jostens, Inc. and conducted by the J-Club of Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. This year’s winner will be announced on Dec. 15 in Salem, Va.

Tanney helped lead the 10-1 Fighting Scots to their first outright conference title since 1972 and the school’s first-ever NCAA playoff berth.

A six-time Dean’s List recipient, Tanney has held the nation’s top pass efficiency rating in Division III this season and his 73.6 season completion rate is a new NCAA DIII record. He currently holds nine individual records at Monmouth and is part of 19 team records. The Fighting Scots have set new team marks this season for scoring (447), touchdowns (62) and fewest interceptions thrown (3).

Tanney also volunteers as a Spanish instructor at local schools and helps with Special Olympics.

“This is a tribute to Mitch’s hard work, upbringing and dedication to the balance between athletics and academics,” said coach Steve Bell. “I can think of no other player who is more deserving of this honor for what he has done for Monmouth College as a whole.”

The Gagliardi Trophy winner is determined by a 30-member national selection committee, which includes college coaches, former athletes, college administrators, business leaders and members of the media.

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