Football Broncos make MAC All-Academic Team
Dec. 16, 2003
KALAMAZOO--Three members of the Western Michigan University football team have been named to the 2003 Mid-American Conference All-Academic Team.
This year's recipients are quarterback Jon Drach of Saint Charles, Ill., safety Jason Feldpausch of Fowler, Mich., and offensive guard Kyle Ras of Jenison, Mich. Feldpausch is a three-time all-academic team selection while Drach was chosen for the second time.
Drach started the last five games of the 2003 campaign and set a school record with a 67-percent completion rate for the season. He passed for a career-high 391 yards at Connecticut and completed 20-of-23 passes for four touchdowns in a 28-20 win over Ball State. Drach ranks third in MAC passing efficiency (156.1) and was named MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week during November. He also received WMU's John Gill Scholar-Athlete Award at the season-ending team banquet. A business finance major, Drach owns a 3.48 cumulative grade-point average.
Feldpausch was named WMU's Most Valuable Player for the second straight season, finishing third in passes defended (6) and fifth in tackles (85). Named team captain at midseason, Feldpausch led active Broncos with 30 career starts, and finished with 253 career tackles and 11 double-figure tackle games after joining the program as a walk-on in 2000. Feldpausch recorded a career-high 15 tackles at Michigan State and was recognized for his classroom work, earning MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week honors in September. He was also named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District IV First Team. Feldpausch carries a 3.32 overall GPA as a computer information systems major.
Ras started his second season at left guard. He provided protection for six 300-yard passing games and was graded over 80 percent in four contests. The 6-6, 290-pound Ras was graded 90 percent against William & Mary, providing opportunity for the offense to generate 638 total yards. Ras, who extended his starting streak to 23 games, helped pave the way for a pair of 100-yard rushing performances from running back Phil Reed. A computer information systems major, Ras sports a 3.30 overall GPA.
Media contact: Daniel Jankowski, 269 387-4138, daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu