UW-Whitewater's Schebler Finalist For Gagliardi Trophy
MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior placekicker Jeff Schebler has been named one of 10 finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy awarded annually to the outstanding football player in NCAA Division III. Sponsored by Jostens and the J-Club of Saint John’s University (Minn.), the Gagliardi Trophy recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service.
A native of Davenport, Iowa (Assumption H.S.), Schebler holds NCAA Division III, Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and UW-Whitewater records. He is a three-time All-American and 2009 Fred Mitchell Award Finalist. After Schebler's performance against Lakeland College in the first round of NCAA Division III Football Championship, where he scored 10 points, he became the all-time kick scoring leader in NCAA football. His individual efforts have helped UW-Whitewater reach the Stagg Bowl in each of his seasons.
Additional finalists for this year’s award include: DePauw University (Ind.) senior quarterback Gerry (Spud) Dick, Mount Union College (Ohio) senior linebacker Judd Lutz, Susquehanna University (Pa.) senior running back Dave Paveletz, Union College (N.Y.) senior linebacker John Peters, Mississippi College senior quarterback Adam Shaffer, Monmouth College (Ill.) junior quarterback Alex Tanney, Augustana College (Ill.) senior offensive lineman Blaine Westemeyer, Case Western Reserve University (Ohio) senior quarterback Dan Whalen, Central College (Iowa) senior running back David Zachary.
The winner of the Gagliardi Trophy is selected by a national selection committee comprised of coaches, sports writers, community leaders and former Division III student-athletes enshrined in the National Collegiate Football Hall of Fame.
The trophy is named for Saint John’s University head football coach John Gagliardi, the first active head coach to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2006) and the winningest coach in college football history with a record of 471-126-11 (.784). Gagliardi set the all-time win record on November 8, 2003.
The 17th annual Gagliardi award will be presented on Thursday, December 17, in Salem, Va., as part of the festivities leading up to the Division III National Championship game played in Salem on Saturday, December 19. Through its commitment to college athletics and the Gagliardi Trophy, Jostens brings the award recipient and his coach to the presentation banquet.
UW-Whitewater’s Justin Beaver claimed the award in 2007 and was a finalist in 2005, while Ryan Kleppe was a finalist in 2006.
Jeff Schebler's Accomplishments/Honors (as of Nov. 30):
UW-Whitewater Records
- 1st in Career Extra Points Attempted (236), Made (225), Field Goals Attempted (88), Field Goals Made (77)
- All Time Longest Field Goal (52 yds) T-1st
WIAC Records
- 1st Team Offense All-WIAC in 2006-09
- 1st in Career points scored (446), career field goals attempted (88), field goals made (71), extra points made (225)
NCAA Records
- Kick scoring record holder (446), previously held by Art Carmody (433) of Louisville (2004-07)
- 1st All-time in kick scoring for all NCAA Divisions (446)
All-American
- 1st Team D3football.com in 2007
- 2nd Team D3football.com in 2006, 08
- 2nd Team Associated Press College Division in 2006, 08
Other
- Helped UWW win WIAC championship (2006-09)
- Helped UWW earn NCAA championship tournament berths (2006-09)
- Helped UWW advance to NCAA championship game of Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl (2006-08)
- Helped UWW win the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl in 2007
- 2009 Fred Mitchell Place Kicking Award finalist for September
- 2009 Fred Mitchell Place Kicking Award finalist for October
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