Coe’s Trevor Heitland 1 of 4 finalists for D-III football player of year

CEDAR RAPIDS — Coe College running back Trevor Heitland is one of four finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, which goes to the top student-athlete football player in NCAA Division III.

A senior from Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Heitland led the nation in all-purpose yards, averaging 223.92 per game. He also led D-III with 1,913 rushing yards and ranked second in rushing yards per game (159.4).

Heitland is just the second Coe player to be selected a finalist for the award, which has been in existence since 1993 and 'recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service.' Carey Bender was nominated in 1993 and won it in 1994.

He is joined this season by Monmouth (Ill.) senior linebacker Matt Barnes, St. John's (Minn.) senior linebacker Carter Hanson and Linfield (Ore.) senior quarterback Sam Riddle. The winner of the Gagliardi Trophy will be announced Wednesday, Dec. 14, at a banquet kicking off D-III championship weekend.

The Stagg Bowl (D-III championship game) is Friday, Dec. 16.

'It is a huge honor to just be nominated, and an even bigger honor to make the final four,' Heitland said Monday afternoon. 'The other three athletes are great players, so I'm just happy to be in consideration with them.'

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