Austintown, Ohio – December 1, 2010 – The Heidelberg University football team had seven players earn an Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference award. The Berg led the league, and had the most earning the award in school history.
Leading the way with Academic All-OAC recognition was seniors Andrew Miller (Dalton, Ohio / Dalton) and Neal Renna (Lockport, Ill. / Lockport), along with junior Derrick Arbogast (Tiffin, Ohio / Calvert). Earning honorable mention selection were seniors Jesse Hawkins (Georgetown, Ky. / Scott County), Chance Ferrell (Garfield Hts., Ohio / Garfield Hts.) and Vaughn Klein (Galloway, Ohio / Central Crossing). Rounding out the list of honorable mention honorees was sophomore Matt Wilde (Norwalk, Ohio / St. Paul).
To qualify, a student-athlete must have maintained a 3.25 grade point average, be a sophomore academically and is in at least his second year of participation. He must have also been a starter or key reserve who has made a significant athletic impact. The recipients are voted on by the faculty athletic representatives.
Miller is returning to the Academic All-OAC team for a second season. After his third year starting at quarterback, Miller picked up multiple honors for his performance on the field. He also set many records, and brought Heidelberg its best record since 1997. He will finish his degree in business administration in May.
Picking up the honor for the first time are Renna and Arbogast. Renna will be graduating with a degree in criminal justice and pre-law. He will continue on after graduation with the US Navy Officer Candidate School. Arbogast will be continuing his career next year on the field, as he returns as a key offensive lineman, winning honors this season. He is majoring in health and physical education.
Also returning to the academic honors list was Hawkins. Hawkins received honorable mention in 2009 season, as well as this season. He also tied the school record for career field goals. Hawkins will be graduating with a major in sports management and business.
Earning academic honors in their final campaign were Ferrell and Klein. Ferrell will be earning a double major in criminal justice and political science, while Klein will be returning in the fall to finish his degree in early childhood education.
Completing the list of honorees was Wilde. Wilde made his impact on the field his from freshman year on special teams. He will continue pursing a degree in communications.
This is the most first team honorees under the direction of head coach Mike Hallett. The Berg broke multiple records for the season, and finished with a record of 5-5.