IRVING, Texas-- Four Trine football seniors were recognized by the National Football Foundation as members of the 2016 NFF Hampshire Honors Society, the foundation announced Wednesday.
Charles Dreessen (Walkerton, Ind. / John Glenn), Levi Lawson (Huntington, Ind. / Huntington North), Michael Spears (Kendallville, Ind. / East Noble) and Tanner Vannieuwenhoven (Pulaski, Wis. / Pulaski) were all recognized as members of the 2016 NFF Hampshire Honors Society. The society is comprised of football players from all divisions who each maintained a G.P.A. of at 3.2 throughout their college careers. Each student-athlete will receive a certificate commemorating the achievement.
A total of 868 players from 275 schools qualified for membership in the society's 10th year, setting a new record for the number of schools represented in the history of the program.
"The number of colleges and universities who embrace the Hampshire Honor Society continues to increase each year," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Over the past decade, it has become a powerful vehicle for schools to recognize their college football players who have distinguished themselves both academically and athletically, and we congratulate the schools and each of these young men for their commitment to excellence."
Qualifications for membership in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society include being a starter or contributer in one's last year of eligibility, achieving a 3.2 cumulative grade-point average throughout the entire course of undergraduate study, and meeting all NCAA-mandated progress towards degree requirements.
Trine concluded the 2015 season with a 6-4 overall record. The Thunder tied for second in the MIAA with a 4-2 mark in conference play. Trine boasted 10 All-MIAA performers and had one player receive D3Football.com All-North Region recognition.
The 2016 season kicks off with the traditional in-state rivalry game against Manchester. This season's opener is slated for Thursday, Sep. 1 at 7:30 p.m.