Nine senior student-athletes from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference have been named to the D3 Senior Classic Preseason Watch List. The D3 Senior Classic is the premier post-season all-star game showcasing the talent of senior players on the NCAA Division III football level. This game is held annually (December) at Salem Stadium, home of the NCAA National championship game.
University of St. Thomas running back Ben Wartman (Prior Lake, Minn.), center Josh Ostrue (South St. Paul, Minn.), and Carleton College tackle Brad Eckelmann (Portland, Ore.) were named to the North first team. Bethel University defensive tackle Andrew Johnson (Maple Grove, Minn.), University of St. Thomas defensive back Brian Villar (Oakdale, Minn.) were named to the North defensive second team. St. Johns University quarter back Joe Boyle (Richfield, Minn.), outside linebacker Jeff Gilbertson (Wabasha, Minn.), and Concordia College safety Zach Debeltz (Anoka, Minn.) were named honorable mention. Due to a medical hardship, Saint John's defensive lineman Kyle Schroeder was a late add to the watch list on June 24.
The D3 Senior Classic co-founders Peter St. Lawrence and George St. Lawrence, when recently interviewed stated,” Our selection committee members have worked tirelessly over the past months, searching for the most talented and deserving players to be honored from the graduating class of 2011. ” Through the D3 Senior Classic game, we are proud and excited to promote the outstanding talent, quality and character of football players found on the Division III Level.” Peter St. Lawrence stated, “The announcement today of our preseason All-American team, reflects our commitment to promote the exceptional fans, coaches, and players found on the D-III football level”.
The D3 Senior Classic organization has partnered with the Beyond Sports Network (BSN) for the player selection process during the 2010 season. The BSN network will host a platform by which players can provide their profiles, general information, and updated stats for the selection committee to review. Player Invitations will begin to be mailed beginning in the preseason and will continue until the November 15, 2010 commitment deadline. 92 players will participate in the 2010 game, represented in a North vs South format. Last year the North won 14-0.
The D3 Senior Classic Football Game (D3senior classic.com) is sponsored by the Collegiate Development Football League (CDFL).
D3 Senior Classic Watch List