Bluffton's Thomas Gingrich (Goshen, Ind./Goshen) was recently named Academic All-District by CoSida. Gingrich, a senior offensive lineman, was named first team All-District. He was one of just five Heartland Conference football players to be honored in District 7.

A starter from the first day he walked on campus three years ago, Gingrich has been instrumental in Bluffton's improvement over the last four seasons. His work up front has paved the way for a Bluffton rushing game that is churning out over 150 yards per contest. Gingrich is the first Bluffton football player to be recognized as Academic All-District since Brian Steiner and Cam Staley in 2002.

To be nominated for the CoSIDA Academic All-America program, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade-point average at his/her current institution. Nominated athletes must have participated in at least 50 percent of the team’s games at the position listed on the nomination form. No student-athlete is eligible until he/she has completed one full calendar year at his/her current institution and has reached sophomore athletic eligibility.

By earning first team honors, Thomas Gingrich is automatically placed on the ballot for consideration on the Capital One NCAA Division III Academic All-America team which will be released in December. The CoSIDA All-District teams are selected and voted on by the members of CoSIDA.