From Washington University Athletics
Washington University in St. Louis senior quarterback J.J. Tomlin was named a semifinalist for the 2016 Gagliardi Trophy, an accolade presented by Jostens and the J-Club of Saint John's University to the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III.
The Gagliardi Trophy, given annually since 1993, recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The award is named after John Gagliardi, Saint John's legendary Hall of Fame head football coach who retired in 2012 with 489 career victories, the most in college football history.
Tomlin completed 304-of-477 passes this season for a school-record 3,760 yards and 36 touchdowns. He ranks fourth in NCAA Division III in passing yards, passing TDs and 13th in total offense (337.1). Tomlin threw for over 300 yards in eight of 11 games played, including twice over 400.
A three-time all-University Athletic Association (UAA) and two-time all-Southern Athletic Association (SAA) honoree, he concluded his career as the most decorated quarterback in school history. He holds the school record in completion percentage (64.7%), completions (781), passing attempts (1,208), passing yards (9,027), total offense (9,010) and TDs (83).
Off the field Tomlin is WashU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) president, and also serves as vice president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has been active with the Special Olympics, food drives, shoe drives and various service projects in the area.
The 24th Gagliardi Trophy will be presented on Wednesday, Dec. 14, in Salem, Va., at a banquet kicking off the Division III championship weekend, which culminates in the Stagg Bowl on Friday, Dec. 16. The four finalists, who will be announced Dec. 6, will be on hand for the announcement of the winner and presentation of the trophy at the banquet.
The trophy design features a sculpture of Gagliardi and a player, representing the teacher-coach and the student-athlete in a one-on-one sideline consultation. Hand-cast in bronze on a polished wood base, the trophy stands nearly two feet tall and weighs approximately 64 pounds. The words "The Gagliardi Trophy presented by Jostens & J-Club" are printed on the acrylic panel behind the figures. The words "Division III 2016 Player of the Year" and "Honoring Excellence in Football, Academics and Community Service" are etched on two panels below the figures.
WashU finished the 2016 season with an 8-3 overall record and made its third NCAA playoff appearance in school history. The eight wins are the second most in school history. The Bears were also co-champions in the SAA and UAA.