Senior Alex Fitch is Semifinalist for 'Academic Heisman'

October 1, 2009

October 1, 2009, Greencastle, Ind. — Alex Fitch, a DePauw University senior, was named today by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame as a semifinalist for the 2009 William V. Campbell Trophy (formerly known as the Draddy Trophy), also known as the Academic Heisman. 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 grade point average of at least 3.2, be a significant contributor on the football team, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The award comes with a 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.

"The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29," reports the Detroit Free Press. "Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2009 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Campbell Trophy winner will be announced Dec. 8 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York."

An economics and mathematics double major, Fitch plays defensive end on the Tiger football team and is a three-time letterman. He was a second team ESPN: The Magazine Academic All-America selection last year and was a second team all-Southern Collegiate Atheltic Conference choice. A Management Fellow and dean's list honoree, Fitch is a recipient of the Timothy Pearson Scholarship, the Stuart and Jane Watson Delta Tau Delta Scholarship and the Neal Scholarship. He also plays piano. (at right: Fitch blocking a Wabash field goal attempt early in the 115th Monon Bell Classic)