What Is The Gagliardi Trophy? [VIDEO]
Now that Husson Eagles senior John Smith is one of the 10 semi-finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy let's take a closer look at this national award.
This is the 25th year for this award and it goes the 'most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III'. A selection committee considers excellence in athletics, academics and community service.
Smith, who has rushed for 1,917 yards and 28 TDs this year leading the Eagles to a first ever NCAA win, becomes the first player from Husson or the ECFC to make the semi-final list.
The Gagliardi Trophy (pronounced Guh-lahr-dee) is named after legendary St. John's University (Minn) coach John Gagliardi. He retired in 2012 after 64 years of coaching and is college football's all-time win leader with 489.
Past winners include QB Joe Callahan (Wesley), who is the backup quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.
Josten's and the J-Club of SJU sponsor the award.
The 10 semi-finalists will be narrowed down to four finalists on December 5th. The 2017 winner will be announced on December 13th in Salem, Virginia during the Division III championship weekend.
NOTE: Smith and the Eagles play their second round NCAA playoff game Saturday at noon vs Delaware Valley University in Pennsylvania.