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| Brett Kasper, UW-Oshkosh quarterback, holding the Gagliardi Trophy in 2017 in Salem, Virginia. Photo by Larry Radloff, d3photography.com |
The 13 semifinalists for the 2018 Gagliardi Trophy have been announced, releasing the names on the ballot in voting for Division III football's top student-athlete. D3football.com will reveal the finalists on a live streaming broadcast on the afternoon of Thursday, Dec. 6.
- Fan voting closed
- All-time Gagliardi Trophy winners
- Updated bracket, playoff features
Ten seniors and three juniors make up the 13 semifinalists for the trophy, which is awarded by Jostens and the J-Club of Saint John's University of Minnesota. The candidates include six quarterbacks, two running backs, one wide receiver, two defensive ends and two linebackers.
After screening the nominations, the SJU J-Club Board of Directors narrowed the field to 13 semifinalists. The 39-member Gagliardi Trophy national selection committee reviews the credentials, ranks the candidates 1-13 and casts their votes. Fan balloting, which is available on D3football.com, accounts for the 40th ballot, and is being conducted on D3football.com for the ninth consecutive year. Fans will be permitted to cast one ballot per device, through 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 3.
The Gagliardi Trophy, given annually since 1993, recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The award is named after the late John Gagliardi, Saint John's legendary Hall of Fame head football coach who retired in 2012 with 489 career victories, the most in college football history. Gagliardi passed away earlier this fall at the age of 91.
In its message to the voting panel, the Gagliardi Trophy administration reminded voters: "The Gagliardi Trophy is a football award but incorporates the philosophy of the well-rounded student-athlete."
Previously, 10 semifinalists had been selected. However, due to a five-way tie for the final two spots, the J-Club elected to move all five forward and let the national selection committee have the ability to decide.
The Gagliardi Trophy national selection committee is comprised of 39 former small college football players, former Gagliardi Trophy recipients, business leaders, academics and media members from around the country.
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Hayden Bauserman
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