Kleppe named one of four top finalists for Gagliardi Trophy
Released: December 6, 2006
Nearing the completion of another successful semester and one win away from playing for the National Championship, senior defensive lineman Ryan Kleppe continues to excel both on and off the field, being named one of four top finalists for the 2006 Gagliardi Trophy. If selected, he will be considered the outstanding NCAA Division III football player.
"This is an outstanding honor, as Kleppe epitomizes a Division III football player," Head Coach Bob Berezowitz said. "On the field he is one of the best defensive lineman and off the field he excels in both academics and community service."
Kleppe of Mount Horeb is third in career sacks and seventh in solo tackles in the UW-Whitewater record books. Kleppe received his second first team All-Wisconsin Athletic Conference award for the 2006 season and was a second team pick in 2004. Kleppe was also recognized as the 2006 WIAC Max Sparger Scholar Athlete for football and last year he was a third team D3football.com All-American and second team Football Gazette All-American.
Off the field, Kleppe volunteers his time in a variety of ways, including youth sports, Bible camp and cancer fundraising.
"He is an exceptionally well-rounded and well-grounded individual," Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Paul Plinske said. "His accomplishments on the field, in the classroom and as a role model set him apart and make him most deserving of this award."
Kleppe has helped the Warhawks lead the WIAC in total defense. UW-Whitewater is ranked fifth in the nation in rushing defense, seventh in scoring defense and thirteenth in total yards allowed. He is the top defender for the No. 4 Division III rush defense and No. 5 scoring defense.
The Gagliardi Trophy is presented annually by Jostens, Inc. and the J-Club of Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minn., featuring a sculpture of Saint John?s University football coach John Gagliardi in consultation with a player. The award has become one of the leading collegiate football awards and is widely recognized as the premier individual award in Division III football.
A 31-member national selection committee, including collegiate coaches, administrators, former athletes, business leaders and members of the media, determines the recipient. The overall winner will be announced Dec. 12.
The Warhawks will advance to play Wesley College (DE) in the Division III semifinal game Saturday, Dec. 9 at noon at Perkins Stadium. The game will be a rematch of last year's semifinal game in which the Warhawks won 58-6.- Patti Schenker,schenkerpl07@uww.edu
