Monday, December 15, 2003

Valparaiso University wide receiver Rob Giancola was selected to the 2003 I-AA All-America Second Team by The Sports Network. The I-AA All-America Team is comprised of all NCAA I-AA schools, both scholarship and non-scholarship. Giancola is Valpo's first national I-AA All-America since defensive back Eric Kenesie earned Associated Press and Coaches honors in 1998 and 1999.

Giancola, a junior from Whiting, Ind./HS, led all I-AA receivers with 1,496 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. He averaged 26.2 yards per catch with 14 of his touchdowns of 30-or-more yards. Giancola ranked second among all I-AA players with 140 points and second in receiving yards per game (124.67).

In helping Valpo (8-4) win its first-ever Pioneer Football League Championship, Giancola shattered eight school records. The 6'1", 215-pounder established Valpo's single-season school marks for scoring (140 points), touchdowns (23), receiving yards (1,496) and touchdown receptions (23); single-game records for receiving yards (275), touchdown receptions (4, twice) and points (tied, 24, twice); and the career record for touchdown receptions (36). He will enter his senior season needing 17 points to become Valpo's all-time scoring leader (Joe Pahr, 234 from 1949-51).

Giancola was one of only three players from a I-AA Mid-Major non-scholarship school to be named to either the first or second teams. The wide receivers named to the I-AA All-America First Team were senior Javarus Dudley of Fordham and junior Efrem Hill of Samford.

Valpo quarterback David Macchi, who threw all 23 of Giancola's touchdowns, and Valpo defensive back Chris Daniels joined Giancola on The Sports Network I-AA Mid-Major All-America Team announced earlier this month.