Seven URI Football Student-Athletes Earn CAA Academic Honors

2008 CAA Academic All-Conference Team

RICHMOND, Va. - Seven members of the University of Rhode Island football team have been named to the inaugural Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Academic All-Conference team. A total of 105 student-athletes from the conference's 12 institutions were selected - 56 on offense and 49 on defense.

Among the Rams named to the squad were seniors Bryan Giannecchini (Cranford, N.J.), Damien Gresko (Huntington, Pa.), Steve Moll (Doylestown, Pa.) and Mark Stolte (Rochester, N.Y.), junior Fran Dempsey (Hazelton, Pa.), sophomore D.J. Stefkovich (Westport, Conn.), and redshirt freshman Greg Wicks (Bedford, N.H.).

"I'm extremely happy for these seven student-athletes. This is a great accomplishment and it's great to see Rhode Island represented so well in the CAA," said head coach Darren Rizzi. "There are 12 quality institutions here in the CAA, and to have seven of our student-athletes represented is a testament to their hard work. I look forward to continuing our academic success."

Delaware senior offensive lineman Mike Byrne and Villanova tight end Matt Sherry earned a share of the 2007 CAA Football Student-Athlete of the Year award. Hofstra had the most student-athletes (16) selected to the academic team.

To be eligible for the CAA Football Academic All-Conference Team, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 scale) for his entire academic career. A transfer is not eligible unless he has completed one (1) full year at his institution. First-year freshman are not eligible. Voting for the Student-Athlete of the Year is conducted by the 12 CAA Football Sports Information Directors.