Friday, September 30, 2011

Valparaiso University running back Bobby Wysocki (Calumet City, Ill./Thornwood H.S.) has been named as one of 127 national semifinalists for the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame’s William V. Campbell Trophy which recognizes an individual as the absolute best scholar-athlete in the nation.

One of college football's most sought after and competitive awards, the Campbell Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.

Wysocki, a fifth-year senior running back, started his Crusader career as a quarterback before moving to a running back spot prior to last season.  Currently Wysocki is Valpo’s active rushing and passing leader.  He has excelled in the classroom, being named to the Pioneer Football League’s Academic Honor Roll the past two seasons as well as a member of the Dean’s list at Valpo.  In the community Wysocki has assisted with various organizations, including visiting local elementary schools.

He is one of 127 semifinalists from all levels of college football, and one of 33 from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision.  Dayton’s Devon Langhorst and Drake’s Michael Lahart join Wysocki as one of only three student-athletes on the list from the Pioneer Football League. 

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the awards must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally-recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.

On Wednesday, October 26, the NFF Awards Committee will select up to 16 recipients who will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, and they will vie as finalists for the 2011 William V. Campbell Trophy.

Wysocki and the Crusaders return to the gridiron on Saturday afternoon hosting Morehead State in the Pioneer Football League opener for the Brown and Gold.  The Homecoming game kicks off at 1 p.m.