Academic All-Area Team

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Rowan University kicker Tommy Wilczynski was named the Philadelphia Inquirer Football Academic All-Area Performer of the Year.  He was joined on the Academic All-Area Team by defensive end Chris Popper.

To be nominated, student-athletes must have a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or higher and be at least a sophomore.  The teams are voted on by the sports information offices of the 28 area institutions from the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Wilczynski (sr. Pine Hill, NJ/Overbrook) was second on the team with 45 points.  He made 27 of 30 extra points.  Wilczynski converted six of nine field goal attempts with a long of 41 yards.  In 16 career games, he tallied 52 points with 34 PATs (37 attempts) and six field goals (10 tries).    Wilczynski received Capital One/College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America and All-District II Division III Football first team honors.  A Rowan Scholar-Athlete, he is majoring in biological sciences with a 3.984 GPA.

Popper (jr. Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/Egg Harbor Twp.) registered 38 tackles (14 solo, 24 assisted).  He had 5.5 tackles for a loss (-18 yards), one sack (-9 yards) and two fumble recoveries.  Popper is a member of the University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  He was chosen to the Capital One/CoSIDA Division III Academic All-District II Team.  A Rowan Scholar-Athlete, Popper has a 3.611 GPA in law and justice studies.