Parker 1 of 167 semifinalists

The National Football Foundation (NFF) and the College Hall of Fame selected CSC’s Center Sam Parker, senior of Harrison, as one of 167 semifinalists for the 2014 William V. Campbell Trophy. 

“It’s an honor to be nominated,” Parker said. “There are several guys on our team who fit the criteria to be nominated and all are well deserving of the recognition. I think that shows how much our team values education.” 

The Campbell Trophy is awarded to a scholar-athlete who is in his final year of eligibility, has a GPA of at least 3.2, performs at an outstanding football ability, and demonstrates strong leadership and citizenship. Each school is allowed to nominate only one individual. 

Sixteen finalists will be awarded a scholarship and will be announced on Oct. 30. As a finalist, students are awarded an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship. 

The winner of the trophy will be named at the NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 9. The finalists will also be recognized at the dinner. In addition to the trophy, a scholarship increase to $25,000 will be awarded to the winner. The NFF Awards Committee chooses the finalists. This year’s sponsor is Fidelity Investments. 

Parker maintains a 3.849 GPA in communication arts. He has been selected as a CoSIDA Capital One Academic All American in 2013, to the Omaha World-Herald’s All-Nebraska team twice, and the All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference first team in 2013. He was also selected three-times to the RMAC All-Academic team. 

Having served as the event director for The Big Event, Parker volunteers on and off campus. Some of his volunteering experiences include speaking to high school students for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, mentoring for TeamMates, and reading to elementary students. Parker is also an ambassador for CSC. 

“I’ve got to thank Alex Helmbrecht, our sports information director, for going through the process of nominating me,” Parker said. “If it weren’t for God in my life, I wouldn’t have the drive to succeed both on and off the field. All credit goes to him at the end of the day.”