14 Football Players Nominated for Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America Honors

LINCOLN - The Nebraska Athletic Department nominated 14 football players for Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America honors today. Head Coach Frank Solich has had six athletes earn seven Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America awards in his five years.

Headlining the group is Mike linebacker Chad Sievers, who in his second season at Nebraska, carries a 4.0 grade point average in business administration. The Valley, Neb., native began his college career at New Mexico State, before transfering. After an early season injury, he has provided the Huskers solid minutes, recording 12 solo tackles and 19 assists.

Starting fullback Judd Davies, a Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District VII selection last season, earned his second nomination with a 3.896 GPA in communication studies. Reserve tight end Phil Peetz turned in the Huskers' second-highest GPA among the nominees with a 3.931 GPA in criminal justice.

Chris Kelsay earned his third Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-America nomination this season. The senior from Auburn, Neb., was an All-District VII choice last season, joining Davies, Dave Volk and first-team academic All-American Tracey Wistrom as NU's four selections to the 2001 all-district team. One of three Husker captains, Kelsay carries a 3.529 GPA in finance.

Backup quarterback Mike Stuntz highlights four remaining offensive players with a 3.795 GPA in general studies. Snapper and reserve center David Kolowski (3.323, social sciences), tight end Kyle Ringenberg (3.778, exercise science) and starting wingback Troy Hassebroek (3.21, middle grades education) also earned nominations.

Three more starters highlight the defensive academic nominees, including Mike linebacker Barrett Ruud (3.321, management), rover Philip Bland (3.248, general studies) and rush end Trevor Johnson (3.4, business administration). Other nominees from the defense include cornerback Pat Ricketts (3.405, business administration), rover Aaron Terpening (3.22, architectural studies) and reserve Will linebacker Chad Buller (3.355, business administration).

The 14 nominations ranks as the third-highest total under Solich. The 1998 team earned 18 nominations, while the 1999 team garnered 15 nominations. It is also the third time the Huskers have had more than 10 nominations under Solich.

Nominees	Major	GPA	Hometown
Philip Bland	General Studies	3.248	Lafayette, Colo.
Chad Buller	Business Administration	3.355	Henderson, Nev.
Judd Davies	Communication Studies	3.896	Omaha, Neb.
Troy Hassebroek	Middle Grades Education	3.21	Lincoln, Neb.
Trevor Johnson	Business Administration	3.40	Lincoln, Neb.
Chris Kelsay	Finance	3.529	Auburn, Neb.
David Kolowski	Social Sciences	3.323	Omaha, Neb.
Chad Sievers	Business Administration	4.00	Valley, Neb.
Phil Peetz	Criminal Justice	3.931	Elkhorn, Neb.
Pat Ricketts	Business Administration	3.405	Omaha, Neb.
Kyle Ringenberg	Exercise Science	3.778	Elkhorn, Neb.
Barrett Ruud	Management	3.321	Lincoln, Neb.
Mike Stuntz	General Studies	3.795	Council Bluffs, Iowa
Aaron Terpening	Architectural Studies	3.22	Salem, Ore.