Gagliardi Trophy to Bring in Four Finalists
COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. - For the first time in the award program
history, all four finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, given to the
outstanding football player in NCAA Division III, will be on hand
for the announcement and presentation this December. The new
format was disclosed today by Jostens and the J-Club of Saint
John's University, Collegeville, Minn.
The Gagliardi Trophy is named for John Gagliardi, SJU head football
coach and winningest coach in college football history with 473
victories. Since 1993, Jostens and the J-Club have teamed
together to recognize one student-athlete annually who exhibits
excellence in athletics, academics and community
service.
The trophy award winner and his coach have been on hand for the
presentation each December in Salem, Va., on the eve of the Stagg
Bowl, the Division III national football championship
game.
All four finalists are being invited to Salem this year for the
awards banquet on Thursday evening, Dec. 16, and to stay for the
Stagg Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 18.
The Gagliardi Trophy selection is made by a 35-member national
committee composed of community leaders, coaches, sports writers
and former Division III student-athletes enshrined in the National
Collegiate Football Hall of Fame. Nominations are made
by the college president with letters of recommendation submitted
by the head football coach.
Additional information may be found at www.gojohnnies.com/gagliarditrophy
About Jostens
Minneapolis-based Jostens is a provider of products, programs and
services that help people tell their stories, celebrate important
traditions and recognize achievements. The company's products
include school yearbooks and other memory book products, scholastic
products such as class rings and graduation products, and products
for athletic champions and their fans. Jostens is a subsidiary of
Visant Corporation, a marketing and publishing services enterprise
servicing the school affinity, direct marketing, fragrance and
cosmetics sampling and educational and trade publishing
segments.
About Saint John's University J-Club
Founded in 1959, the Saint John's University J-Club is a
dues-based booster organization of former Johnnie student-athletes,
parents and fans, and plays a key role in support of the SJU
varsity programs, intramurals and club sports.
