AUSTIN, Texas – Gustavus senior wide receiver Brice Panning (Hamburg) on Wednesday was named Second Team Academic All-America, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). The CoSIDA Academic All-America Division III Football Teams recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom.
Panning, an exercise physiology major with a 3.70 GPA, becomes the first Gustavus football player to earn Academic All-America since Torey Asao in 2013. Panning also earns the College’s 115th Academic All-America distinction, which is the most in the MIAC and 12th most in NCAA Division III.
Panning’s excellence on the field is evidenced by the fact that he was a standout performer on one of the most prolific offensive units in Division III football. A First Team All-Conference selection for the second-straight season, Panning tied the school record with 17 touchdown catches in a season and was instrumental in helping the Gusties rank fourth in the nation in passing offense. Panning also caught 70 receptions for 1,128 yards. He was the only player in Division III to catch at least one touchdown in every game of the season.
Now that his football career is complete, Panning will be remembered as one of the finest receivers to ever play at Gustavus, ranking in the program’s top-five in career receptions (145), yards (2,517), and touchdowns (27).
To be eligible for Academic All-America consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.