SOUTHFIELDS, N.Y. – Gallaudet University football linebacker Tom Pangia (Hammonton, N.J.) was named to the 2012 D3 Senior Classic Preseason All-American second team defense for the South Region as announced by the Collegiate Development Football League (CDFL). The CDFL is the proud sponsor of the fourth annual D3 Senior Classic, a North vs. South All-Star game, which is held at the site of the NCAA Division III national championship game in Salem, Va., on Friday, December 7. Only graduating seniors in 2013 are eligible for this preseason team.

Pangia, who enters his senior year, is one of three players from the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) selected. SUNY Maritime linebacker Keith Barnes was named to the North Region first team defense while Mount Ida defensive lineman AJ Knibbs was picked to the North Region second team defense.

This is Pangia's second preseason honor to go with his 2012 Beyond Sports College Network preseason All-American second team defense selection back in July.

Pangia, the first-ever three-time All-ECFC first team defender, led the conference with 103 tackles (72 solo) as the team co-captain had 11 or more tackles in six of the 10 games this season. The junior linebacker forced two fumbles, recovered one, and made one interception as he started in all 10 games.

Gallaudet will open the season on Saturday, September 1, in Ohio to take on Otterbein University in a non-conference game at 1 p.m.