Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
2019 CoSIDA NCAA Division III Academic All-America Football Teams
Dec. 11, 2019 - North Central College football student-athlete
Ben Wong has been awarded a selection to the 2019 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) NCAA Division III Academic All-America First Team in recognition of his demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of excellence in academics as well as athletics.
Wong became eligible for the All-America ballot by virtue of his selection last month to the CoSIDA Academic All-District 7 Team, which includes all Division III institutions in the states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Nominees must carry a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.30 and have achieved at least sophomore academic and athletic standing. The teams are then selected through a vote by CoSIDA's membership, which is comprised of more than 3,000 sports information and athletic communication professionals throughout the United States and Canada.
A junior neuroscience major, Wong has started 11 games at linebacker this season for the Cardinals, who are currently 12-1 and preparing for their second appearance in the semifinal round of the NCAA Division III Football Championship. Wong has recorded a team-high 77 tackles (46 solo) this season, including eight tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks. Wong was selected to the All-College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (First Team) at the close of the regular season, earning the distinction for the first time in his collegiate career.
During summer 2019, Wong conducted research that he later presented at the Society for Neuroscience after receiving a grant through North Central's Summer Undergraduate Research Program. He is also involved with North Central's Athletic Mentorship Program (AMP) and has participated in volunteer efforts for organizations such as Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter, Angel's Grace Hospice, Feed My Starving Children and the emergency department at Edward Hospital.
Wong's selection is the 37th CoSIDA Academic All-America award bestowed upon a North Central student-athlete and the fourth won by a member of the football program. A total of four CCIW players received Academic All-America honors this season.
North Central (12-1) travels to face Muhlenberg College (13-0) in the national semifinals on Saturday. Kickoff at Scotty Wood Stadium is scheduled for 12:00 noon Eastern time and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN3. Click HERE for links to live coverage.
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