Schneider Among Good Works Team Nominees
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Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University senior quarterback Tom Schneider (Jerome/Addison) is among the nominees for the 2011 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, which is sponsored by Allstate Insurance Company.
The award recognizes the selfless contributions to volunteerism and community service made by college football student-athletes across the nation. This year marks the program's 20th year honoring college football players at all levels of competition who stand out for their "good works" in the community. Since 1992, selection to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team has become the gold standard for off-the-field character and leadership for college football players. The honor is widely considered the sport's pre-eminent community service award.
"This program has grown dramatically throughout the years due to the volunteerism and commitment of these great student-athletes to their communities," said Mark LaNeve, Allstate Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sales Operations, who also serves on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team voting panel. "To be associated with an award that reflects so positively on college football is an inspiration for Allstate, our employees and our agents, especially as the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team celebrates its 20th year."
While it is often college football players' on-field exploits that receive the most attention from fans and media, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team award shines a spotlight on student-athletes' efforts away from the playing field by sharing their stories of serving others.
From creating mentorship programs at local schools, to traveling on mission trips around the world, to donating bone marrow to a cancer patient, this year's Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominees boast some of the most impressive community service resumes in the program's history.
"The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most important awards in college football because it highlights some of the best and brightest student-athletes in the country," said Grant Teaff, AFCA Executive Director. "With this being the 20th year of this outstanding award, it's great to see a record number of nominees sent in from some of the leading football programs in the nation. The AFCA is proud to share in this anniversary year with our partners at Allstate."
From the nominees submitted by sports information directors across the nation on behalf of their schools, a special voting panel consisting of former Good Works Team members and prominent college football media members will select two 11-player Good Works Teams – one comprising of players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and another representing players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the NAIA. The 22 student-athletes named to the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team will be announced in late September.
In order to meet the criteria set forth by Allstate and the AFCA, each player must be actively involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group or community service while maintaining good academic standing.
Schneider is a three-year letter winner that completed 70.5% (184-261) of his passes for 1,741 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while being intercepted only three times as FSU's starting quarterback in 2010. Schneider also ran for 319 yards and six scores on 97 attempts in starting all 11 games.
A 2010 All-GLIAC Honorable Mention pick, Schneider concluded the year ranked second in completion percentage, fourth in passing efficiency along with seventh in both passing yards and total offense among the conference leaders. The three-time GLIAC All-Academic Team honoree served as a team captain and was voted FSU's Most Valuable Offensive Skill Player in 2010.
In 2010, Schneider also claimed the GLIAC Commissioner's Award for excellence on and off the field. He was also among the nominees for the GLIAC's Jack McAvoy Award for outstanding character.
Schneider's also been active off the field as evidenced by his many community involvement activities. He's worked with youth by volunteering his time at local football camps and has been an active participant in many team events. Additionally, he's participated in community-type events thru the Professional Recreation Association at FSU among other endeavors.
"Tom's an outstanding person on and off the field and a highly-regarded competitor who's been a tremendous leader for our team," said FSU head coach Jeff Pierce. "He's a player with great character and a desire to succeed. Not only has he been a tremendous ambassador on the field, but he's also been highly-successful in the classroom and active in the community."
Schneider's 70.2% completion percentage in 2010 established a new school single-season record and he heads into his senior campaign this fall ranked 10th in school history with 2,656 career passing yards. He's also ran for 924 yards on 280 carries in his collegiate career.
Ferris State kicks off its 103rd season of varsity competition this fall by hosting Hillsdale in a non-conference matchup on Friday, Sept. 2, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. (ET) at Top Taggart Field.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams were established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate partnered to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession" and to "provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football."