The Iowa Football Coaches Association has announced their honorees for Academic All State for the 2018 football season and three Bears have been selected. Bear seniors John Hatfield, Brett Schiele, and Zach Thompson have all earned Academic All State honors for their in-class achievements and extra-curricular activities involvement.
According to the IFCA's website, the criteria for nomination and selection are as follows:
- Player must be a senior starter.
- Player must have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or better at the end of their junior year.
- Player must be involved in other extra-curricular activities.
- The Head Coach must recommend the player.
Hatfield, a linebacker for the Bear defense, lead the team in tackles in both the 2017 and 2018 seasons. This past season, the senior had 38 solo and 18.5 assists, including four sacks.
Schiele, a two-way starter, lead the Bears' receiver group with 36 receptions during the 2018 season and was second in yards and touchdowns at 481 and six, respectively. The senior also scored on special teams three times with two punt returns and one kick off return. Schiele, a team captain, also co-lead the team with three interceptions on defense, including one for a touchdown.
Thompson, a team captain, accumulated over 100 yards receiving this season on 14 receptions, averaging just short of a first down per reception.
The full list of Academic All State for the 2018 season can be viewed on the IFCA's website.
Congratulations to these three Bears on their academic achievement and success on the football field.
