Belmonte named to Capital One Academic team

Courtesy of NMU Athletics

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Senior kicker/punter Rockne Belmonte, of the Northern Michigan University football team, was named to the Capital One Academic All-District IV team, announced by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Belmonte was selected through voting conducted by CoSIDA members in their district. NMU’s district includes colleges and university from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Nebraska, Missouri and Colorado. To be nominated, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.30 cumulative grade-point average, have attained sophomore academic and athletic standing, be a varsity starter or key reserve and be nominated by the sports information director.

Belmonte advances to the Capital One Academic All-American national ballot where first and second team honorees will be decided later in the month.

Belmonte owns a 3.38 grade point average in physical education and coaching. He finished his career with 45 field goals to break NMU’s career mark. Belmonte also holds school records for most field goals in a season (15) and longest field goal (58 yards).

He is a second team preseason All-American by USA Football News and a preseason All-American as an honorable mention choice by the D2 vs. NAIA Bowl.

The Academic All-District ® teams for Division II include the student-athletes that are divided into four geographic districts across the United States based on NCAA Super Regions. This is the first year of the expanded Academic All-America® program as CoSIDA moves from recognizing a University Division (Division I) and a College Division (all non Division I) and doubles the number of scholar-athletes honored. The teams include NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III participants, while the College Division team combines NAIA, Canadian and two-year schools.

The Capital One Division II and III Academic All-America® program is being financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures, to assist CoSIDA with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2011-12 DII and DIII Academic All-America® teams program.