Gustavus Adolphus junior safety Joe Welch (Hastings, Minn.) has been named to the 2008 D3football.com All-America Team. Welch, who was selected to the Third Team Defense, is the second Gustavus player to ever be named to the D3football.com All-America team joining Andy Traetow who was a second team selection as a return specialist in 2000. Welch was one of four players from the MIAC named to the d3football.com All-America Team including Royce Winford of Augsburg (1st team, wide reciver), Drew Ziller of Carleton (1st team, safety), Josh Ostrue of St. Thomas (2nd team, offensive line). Welch was named a d3football.com First Team All-West Region selection two weeks ago.
Welch had an outstanding 2008 season as he led the Gusties with 98 tackles, including 51 solo stops, to go along with one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Welch finished third among MIAC defensive players with 10.1 tackles per game as he was named to the All-MIAC First Team Defense. He posted double-digit tackles in five games this season including a season-high 16 stops (six solo) against Concordia at strong safety. Welch recorded five interceptions in a defense that is ranked sixth in Division III with 22 picks. He currently has 180 career tackles and 99 solo stops heading into his final season at Gustavus.
Gustavus finished the year 6-4 overall and tied for fifth place in the MIAC with a 4-4 league mark.
Welch, a management major, is the son of Russ and Lisa Welch of Hastings and a 2005 graduate of Hastings High School.