Tiffin, Ohio – November 5, 2009 – Heidelberg University had two representatives on the 2009 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District IV College Division Second Team for football. Senior Jared Ruffing (Bellevue, Ohio / Seneca East) and sophomore Derrick Arbogast (Tiffin, Ohio / Calvert) each picked up their first academic honors of their careers.
Heidelberg is a member of District IV which consists of Division II, III and NAIA schools located in the states of Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. To be nominated for the all-district team the student-athlete must have at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point and in at least their sophomore year at the institution and be a starter or key reserve. The all-district teams are voted on by sports information directors that are members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
An inside linebacker, Ruffing is studying athletic training at the Berg and carries a 3.96 grade point average. He has alternated this season as a starter and has provided depth off the bench. He has played in all 10 contests and is third on the team with 46 tackles. He also ranks in the top-five on the team in sacks (2.5) and solo blocks (32). In addition he has one interception with a return of 12 yards.
Arbogast is a two-year starter on the offensive line and is majoring in education. As a freshman he helped to set the stage for a new individual single-season and single-game passing record, as well as the team record for rushing touchdowns. In 2009, Arbogast has helped produce the same quality offense. Heidelberg has tied the team record for passing touchdowns, while registering a 100-yard rusher in each of the last four outings. Over the last two games, Heidelberg has produced two 100-yard rushers in both contests.
Heidelberg and third-year head coach Mike Hallett close out its 2009 slate with two-straight at home. Its final two home contests will be played at Mayer Field, on the campus of Heidelberg. The Berg will entertain Marietta College Nov. 7 and Muskingum University Nov.14. The games mark the first football games played on campus in 64 years. Kick off is slated for 1:00 p.m.