Thursday, April 29, 2004

Valparaiso University wide receiver Kevin Knutson, cornerback Chris Daniels and punter Ryan Bateman were named to the Academic All-Pioneer Football League First Team. The team was selected by a vote of the league's sports information directors. To be nominated, student-athletes must have achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) through the 2003 Fall Semester.

Knutson, a biology/chemistry major from River Falls, Wis./HS, has achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.710. In helping Valpo (8-4) capture its first-ever Pioneer Football League Championship, Knutson made a team-leading 74 receptions for 1,139 yards and six touchdowns. A Second Team All-PFL North selection, Knutson finished 12th in I-AA in receiving yards per game (94.9) and 20th nationally in receptions per game (6.17). Knutson was previously selected to the Sixth Annual Division I-AA Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team.

Daniels, a junior from Peoria, Ill./Notre Dame, has earned a 3.217 cumulative GPA as a finance major. A Sports Network 2003 I-AA Mid-Major All-America selection, Daniels finished second in the PFL and tied for 13th in NCAA I-AA with six interceptions. A First Team All-PFL North Division honoree, Daniels led Valpo with seven pass breakups, while making 48 tackles.

Bateman, a senior from Chester, Calif./Shasta JC, has achieved a 3.657 GPA as a physical education and secondary education major. In 2003, he averaged 36.3 yards on 57 punts. Bateman amassed 2,071 punting yards and owned a long boot of 53 yards. He also converted three-of-four field goal attempts and six-of-seven extra point kicks. Bateman was also selected to the 2003 Verizon Academic All-District V University Division Team.