Three members of the Valparaiso University football Class of 2019 were named to the 2019 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, highlighting a successful year in the classroom for the program.  

Eric Rentschler (Highland, Ind. / Highland), Mason Sutter (Woodstock, Ill. / Woodstock) and Mike Wheeler (Fullerton, Calif. / La Habra) were named to the NFF’s Hampshire Honor Society, which recognizes college football players who maintain a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers. To qualify, a student-athlete must achieve a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout his undergraduate studies, meet all NCAA-mandated progress toward degree requirements and have been a starter or significant contributor throughout the 2018 season. Honorees must have completed their final season of collegiate football in 2018.

Rentschler, an offensive lineman, rounded out his time at Valpo with a 3.76 cumulative GPA in computer engineering. Wheeler, a linebacker, finished at 3.82 in economics, while Sutter – a tight end – earned his degree with a 3.34 in biology. Wheeler and Rentschler were both Academic All-PFL First Team selections following their senior seasons.

Valpo’s current players are in position to continue the program’s academic success achieved by the aforementioned graduated seniors. The team finished the 2019 spring semester with a 3.08 GPA. The squad boasted 35 players with GPAs of 3.0 or higher this semester. Valpo had 60 players earn spots on the 2018 PFL Honor Roll, setting a school record for the second straight season.