Stearns, Lehr named to Academic All-District Team

INDIANOLA, Iowa — Simpson football players Jake Stearns and Ryan Lehr have been named to the 2017 CoSIDA Academic All-District 8 First Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America. As first team selections, both advance to the Academic All-America Team ballot.

A senior defensive end from Knoxville, Iowa, Stearns earns the award for a second straight season. A sophomore strong safety from Indianola, Iowa, Lehr is a first time selection.

2017 CoSIDA Academic All-District Football Teams

Twenty-seven players were named to the District 8 Team, which includes student-athletes attending NCAA Division III institutions in 21 states and Canada.

Stearns a was a first-time All-Iowa Conference performer in 2017 after leading the league with 14 tackles for loss. His 7.5 sacks were second in the conference and he finished with 70 tackles on the year. The Athletic Training major boasts a 3.89 GPA.

Lehr was a second team All-Iowa Conference pick after setting a school record with 164 interception return yards on the season, making five picks and breaking up seven passes. He finished the year with 84 tackles. The Psychology major owns a 3.80 GPA.

The award recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. First-team Academic All-District® honorees advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Team ballot, with first- and second-team Academic All-America honorees to be announced later in December.