Justin Beaver earns ESPN Academic All-America football honors

December 6, 2007

2007 WIAC Player of the Year. Max Sparger Scholar Athlete Award winner for football. Finalist for the Melberger Trophy and the Gagliardi Trophy. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior running back Justin Beaver is constantly gaining more yards on the field, as well as athletic titles and awards off the field.

Already twice an All-American in 2005 and 2006, Beaver is one of the Warhawks' most valuable players. He was recently named to the Academic All-America College Division Second Team. The team is sponsored by ESPN The Magazine and coordinated by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

The team is composed of all NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA players throughout the country and is voted on by members of CoSIDA.

A native of Palmyra, Beaver is a senior, majoring in physical education with a 3.51 grade point average. His academic achievements were also recognized by the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, which awarded him the Max Sparger Scholar Athlete Award for football for 2007.

"It comes down to teachers, family and friends having an understanding and helping with school, academics and athletics," Beaver said.  "A lot of people have been there for me and a lot of good things have happened.  Having that many good people brings good things and good things bring awards and honors."

He has rushed for 2,001 yards this season, leading the WIAC in both total yards and yards per game.  He ranks third in yards per game in NCAA III statistics.

"Justin's a genuine leader on a truly phenomenal team and is most deserving of this recognition," Athletics Director Paul Plinske said.  "Being named to an Academic All-America team is a high honor and shows that he's more than just a football player. Congratulations to Justin."

"In my short time here, I have seen that Justin's contributions off the field are equal to everything he's done on the field and that's testament to his leadership and work ethic," Head Football Coach Lance Leipold said.  "With Justin, you get the all-around scholar athlete. His mark will forever be left at UW-Whitewater as he continues to rewrite history."

Beaver is the UW-Whitewater and WIAC career leader in rushing yards, and his total of 6,201 yards is second all-time in the NCAA III record book.  He is the only running back in UW-Whitewater and WIAC history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season and has done it twice. Beaver also earned numerous All-America honors after both the 2005 and 2006 seasons.