Eslinger, Isom & Kwapinski named to Academic team

University of Minnesota sophomore center Greg Eslinger, senior strong safety Justin Isom and senior defensive tackle Dan Kwapinski have been named first-team selections on the 2003 Verizon Academic All-District V Football Team at their respective positions.

Greg Eslinger, who is undecided on a major, holds a 3.74 grade-point-average. Earlier this week, he was named a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media. He has been part of an offensive line that has set school records in 2003 for total offense (501.4 ypg), rushing offense (293.2 ypg), rushing touchdowns (42), scoring (39.3 ppg), touchdowns (62), yards-per-play (6.7), 500-yard games (7) and 200-yard rushing games (10).

Justin Isom has a 3.87 grade-point-average as a sports management major. He is the team leader in interceptions with three and is second on the team in pass break-ups with seven. Isom has recorded at least one interception in all four seasons that he has played.

Dan Kwapinski, who majored in physiology as an undergraduate and is currently enrolled in pharmacy school, has a 3.47 grade-point-average. This is the third consecutive season that Kwapinksi has earned a spot on the All-District V Team. As one of four Gopher co-captains, Kwapinski earned the Neil Fredenburg Award at this year’s team banquet for the player with the most courage and love for the game.