October 18, 2006
Release courtesy of Mark Adkins, Wartburg College sports information director

WAVERLY, IOWA . . . Wartburg College senior defensive back Nick Noble, a native of Riceville, Iowa, is among 148 football student-athletes from NCAAs Division, I, II and III and the NAIA to be named as semifinalists for the 2006 Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and as candidates for the NFF 2006 National Scholar-Athlete Awards.

One of college football’s most sought after and competitive awards, the Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, semifinalists must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Established to honor former NFF Chairman Vincent dePaul Draddy, a Manhattan College quarterback who founded the Izod and Lacoste brands, the award comes with a stunning 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

The NFF Awards Committee, comprised of former coaches, Hall of Famers and college administrators, will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 26. The winner, also selected by the committee, will be announced at the 49th NFF Awards Dinner on December 5 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Each finalist will also be recognized that night as part of the 2006 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.

Noble is the lone Iowa Conference representative on the Division III list. He is a political science major with a 3.76 grade-point average. He's seen action in 15 games the last two seasons, recording over 60 tackles and three interceptions.

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