Kennemer To Be Honored At NFF Gridiron Club Of Dallas Event

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Kennemer To Be Honored At NFF Gridiron Club Of Dallas Event
SMU Senior One Of 10 Area College Scholar-Athletes To Be Recognized

April 12, 2010

DALLAS (SMU/NFF) - SMU's Chase Kennemer will be among the 10 college football scholar-athletes who will be recognized at the National Football Foundation (NFF) Gridiron Club of Dallas' second annual banquet, the organization announced today. The event, which will be held April 20 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, will recognize the collegiate honorees and 53 high school scholar-athletes. The winners represent Austin College, Baylor, East Texas Baptist, Mary Hardin-Baylor, Midwestern State, North Texas, SMU, Tarleton State, Texas A&M-Commerce and TCU.

SMU Head Coach June Jones, who led the Mustangs to their first bowl game in 25 years in only his second year at the helm, will deliver the keynote speech.

Kennemer overcame a serious lower-back injury in high school to pursue his passion for football in college. He served as the Mustangs' captain in 2009 and amassed a team-best 135 stops with 12 tackles for-loss. A first-team All-Conference USA selection, he also added a sack, two interceptions, three pass break-ups and four fumble recoveries to his 2009 totals. A double major in psychology and finance, Kennemer maintains a 3.5 GPA.

"We are excited to honor these young men for succeeding at the highest level as both students and athletes. They apply their drive to succeed in all aspects of their lives, and this recognition is a direct reflection of their hard work and leadership skills," said Gerald Brence, president of the NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas and athletics director for the Plano Independent School District.

The 10 scholar-athletes were selected as the best from the entire region at the collegiate level for their combined achievements as students, athletes and leaders in their respective communities. The selection committee included coaches, teachers, administrators and business leaders from the North Texas area.

"Each one of these individuals is recognized for their continuing efforts to better themselves through the game of football. They are leaders in football, academics and in their respective communities," said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell. "We are proud to honor them and shine a light on their hard work and leadership capabilities."

With doors opening at 6 p.m. and the ceremony starting at 7 p.m., the event will showcase the great stories in North Texas that will inspire future student-athletes to excel in the classroom and become more involved in their communities. The event will also pay tribute to several outstanding individuals for their contributions to the game and the North Texas region. Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones will accept the Distinguished Texan Award, the Gridiron Club's most prestigious award. Other awards remaining to be announced include the Legends Award, the Athletics Director of the Year, the Steve Storie Official of the Year, and the high school coaches and assistant coaches of the year.

The 2009 inaugural event attracted a sellout crowd of 500 people. For tickets, please contact club president Gerald Brence at (469) 878-5370 or via e-mail at [email protected].

[that's great raplh]

and its well deserved