Six Hobart College student-athletes were named to the Hampshire Honor Society by the National Football Foundation today. Seniors David Degan, Scott Ghiraldi, Scott Holton, Brian Monaco, Paul Overdorf, and Ryan Robinson were among the 620 football players from all divisions to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher.

A biochemistry major in the classroom and a tight end on the gridiron, Degan caught seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown during his career. He was a strong run blocker, helping the Statesmen average 159.0 yards per game in 2009. Degan is a two-time Liberty League All-Academic selection.

Ghiraldi is an economics major and a three-time Liberty League All-Academic pick. He was a backup outside linebacker this season, playing in eight games. Ghiraldi produced 25 career tackles, including a career-high six against Dickinson in the 2009 season opener.

An architectural studies major, Holton played in 18 games at free safety over the past two seasons. He produced a season-high four tackles at Susquehanna and at Union. Holton logged 36 career tackles with the Statesmen.

A biology major, Monaco is a two-time ESPN The Magazine first team Academic All-American, a three time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District selection, and a three-time Liberty League All-Academic pick. He served as a team captain this season, leading an offensive line that helped Hobart gain 337.4 yards per game this season. Monaco was named to the All-Liberty League teams following each of his three seasons as a starter, including first team honors in 2009.

At the 2010 Block H Awards Dinner, Monaco was a co-recipient of the William C. Stiles '43 Memorial Award for leadership, determination, and character.

Overdorf is a biology major who played wide receiver and contributed on special teams as a place kicker and punter. He played in 20 games during his career, catching seven passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 33.2 yards per punt, and scoring 27 points on field goals and PATs. Overdorf earned a spot on the Liberty League All-Academic Team in each of the past three seasons.

An environmental studies major, Robinson was a three-year starter at outside linebacker and a team captain in 2009. He finished second on the team in tackles with 57 this season, including a career-high 13 against Union. Robinson is a three-time Liberty League All-Academic honoree and a three-time All-Liberty League selection.

The Hobart Class of 2010 boasts twice as many Hampshire Honor Society members as the Class of 2009 (Lance Boyington, Mike Condon, and Anthony Hobaica) and three times as many as the Class of 2008 (Mike Kaplun and Phill Perkins).

Qualifications for membership in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society include:

• Being a starter or a significant substitute in one's final year of eligibility at an accredited NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, or an NAIA college or university;
• Achieving a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout entire course of undergraduate study; and
• Meeting all NCAA-mandated progress toward degree requirements.