Thursday, October 1, 2009

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) today announced that Westminster College senior tailback Nick McKolosky (Johnstown, Pa./Westmont Hilltop) is one of 154 semifinalists for the 2009 William V. Campbell Trophy, endowed by HealthSouth, and a candidate for the 2009 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award.

Notable names listed among the 154 semifinalists are Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow of Florida and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.

McKolosky is one of 34 NCAA Division III players to earn semifinalist status. McKolosky is a fourth-year starter who ranks fifth in school history with 2,355 career rushing yards. His 22 career touchdowns rank eighth in school history and his 18 career rushing touchdowns rank seventh. McKolosky, a biology major with a 3.45 GPA, is a two-time team captain, the reigning team MVP, and a two-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District selection.

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, semifinalists 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 award comes with a 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2009 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Campbell Trophy winner, who will have his scholarship increased to $25,000, will be announced live at the NFF's Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8 at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. A total distribution of $277,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening.

About Westminster College...
Founded in 1852 and related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Westminster College is a top tier liberal arts college and a national leader in graduation rate performance, according to U.S. News Guide to America's Best Colleges. Westminster ranked third among liberal arts colleges in social mobility, according to the Washington Monthly College Guide, and is one of the most affordable national liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania. Westminster is also honored as one of "The Best 371 Colleges" and "Best in the Northeast" by The Princeton Review, and is named to the President's Honor Roll for excellence in service learning.

Nearly 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students benefit from individualized attention from dedicated faculty while choosing from 41 majors and nearly 100 organizations on the New Wilmington, Pa., campus.