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Tim Hiller wins 2009 Wuerffel Trophy

Dec. 8, 2009

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University quarterback Tim Hiller has been named recipient of the 2009 Wuerffel Trophy, dubbed the "Humanitarian Heisman."

Hiller, who also was named Second Team Academic All-America by ESPN The Magazine and a National Scholar-Athlete by the National Football Foundation, rose to the top of an elite group of nominees representing more than 70 universities in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision. He will travel to Fort Walton, Fla., in February for the awards ceremony, where he will become the first student-athlete from the Mid-American Conference to take home the Wuerffel Trophy.

"I am so humbled by this and am so grateful to Mr. Wuerffel and the entire All Sports Association for deciding that I am deserving of this award," Hiller says. "I have so much respect for Danny and for what this award stands for, and I am honored to be in the company of the four previous winners."

Wuerffel Trophy winners

2009 - Tim Hiller, WMU
2008 - Tim Tebow, University of Florida
2007 - Paul Smith, University of Tulsa
2006 - Joel Penton, Ohio State University
2005 - Rudy Niswanger, Louisiana State University

Academics, athletics and community service

A native of Orrville, Ohio, Hiller personifies the three criteria of the Wuerffel Trophy: academics, athletics and community service. He has carried a perfect 4.0 grade point average since the beginning of his academic career at WMU. He finished his undergraduate coursework in August 2008, and is now pursuing an MBA. He is scheduled to become a two-time WMU alumnus this summer.

On the field, Hiller rewrote the WMU record book, breaking the passing marks for yards, touchdowns, attempts, completions, total offense and total offensive plays in a career and season. He holds the career record for completion percentage and the single-game marks for passing yards, completions, attempts and total offense at WMU. He is one of only three MAC quarterbacks to throw for 95 or more touchdowns, and one of four MAC signal callers to throw for 3,000 yards in three consecutive seasons.

Hiller has been a critical force in the University's community outreach efforts. He founded the WMU chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and leads the Bronco football team's service and outreach efforts each semester. He tutors area high school students in math and English, and gives faith-based talks throughout the community. This past spring, he joined 23 other college students on a faith-based mission trip to Trinidad, where he counseled youth inmates, young adults with addictions and others in the community.

The Wuerffel Trophy

Presented by the All Sports Association, and named after Heisman Trophy winner and humanitarian Danny Wuerffel, the award is in its fifth year of existence. It recognizes outstanding college football players who best combine exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement, and is meant to inspire others to be more community minded.

For more information on the Wuerffel Trophy and previous winners, visit wuerffeltrophy.org.

Related articles
Hiller named Michigan College Athlete of the Year
Hiller named NFF National Scholar-Athlete
Tim Hiller named Academic All-America

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Media contact: Mat Kanan, (269) 387-4125, mat.kanan@wmich.edu

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