IRVING, Texas – Four recent Emory & Henry College graduates, and members of the Wasps' football team, have been selected to the National Football Foundation's Hampshire Honor Society. Across all Old Dominion Athletic Conference schools, 12 different players were honored, with Guilford College's five selections leading the way. The Wasps have seen 25 players recognized across the past five seasons.
Punter Chris Bingham (Norcross, Ga.), offensive lineman Matt Boyda (Abingdon, Va.), defensive end Mark Harris (Floyd, Va.) and defensive back Matt Kardulis (Burnsville, N.C.) were picked to represent E&H in the society.
Each of these young men will receive a certificate in acknowledgement of their accomplishments both on the field and in the classroom.
"The number of colleges and universities who embrace the Hampshire Honor Society continues to increase each year," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Over the past decade, it has become a powerful vehicle for schools to recognize their college football players who have distinguished themselves both academically and athletically, and we congratulate the school and each of these young men for their commitment to excellence."
The Hampshire Honor Society was established in 2007 by the National Football Foundation to honor college football players from all divisions who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college career. A total of 875 players from 278 schools qualified for membership in the society's 10th year, setting a yet another new record for the number of student-athletes represented. The player must have also been a starter or significant substitute in their senior season to be eligible for the award.
"We have honored more than 6,500 student-athletes in the last 10 years thanks to Jon Hanson's generosity," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, "We are grateful for his passionate belief in the scholar-athlete ideal, and the Hampshire Honor Society allows us to showcase the names of tomorrow's leaders while inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps."
The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame, the NFF Scholar-Athlete Awards, presented by Fidelity Investments, Play It Smart, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Alumni Association, and scholarships of more than $1.6 million annually for college and high school scholar-athletes.
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