Three named to Academic All-District Football Team

INDIANOLA, Iowa - A trio of Simpson football players recently earned CoSIDA Academic All-District™ 8 honors for the 2015 season, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America. The award recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom.

Junior running back Jordan Beem, senior offensive lineman Blake Bergstrom and senior defensive end Clay Finley were named to the 29-member team, which includes student-athletes attending NCAA Division III institutions in 21 states and Canada. As first team honorees, the trio will advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Team ballot, where first-, second- and third-team All-America honorees will be selected later this month.

Beem (Altoona, Iowa/Southeast Polk) makes his first appearance on the Academic All-District Team in 2015. An honorable mention all-conference running back and second team return specialist a year ago, Beem has established himself as one of the top running backs in the league in 2015. He has 934 yards rushing and 10 total TDs, leads the Iowa Conference with 145 all-purpose yards per game and is on pace to become Simpson's first 1,000-yard rusher since 2008. Academically, the history major carries a 3.71 cumulative grade point average.

Bergstrom (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny) becomes a two-time Academic All-District selection after earning first team honors in 2014. A second team all-IIAC pick a year ago at left tackle, Bergstrom has helped pave the way for the league's No. 2 rushing attack from his right tackle position. The Storm's offensive line is among the best in the nation at protecting the quarterback, allowing just nine sacks through eight games. Academically, Bergstrom carries a 3.77 cumulative GPA in physical education.

Finley (Muscatine, Iowa/Muscatine) also earns his second placement on the Academic All-District Team after landing first team honors in 2013. After missing most of 2014 with a knee injury, Finley has come back strong this season, tallying 4.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. Academically, the fifth-year senior and team captain carries a 3.74 cumulative GPA in physical education and exercise science.

The Storm (3-5, 2-3 Iowa Conference) travel to Waverly, Iowa to face Wartburg on Saturday.