Krystal Geeson

Staff Writer

Idaho State University had three football players named to the 2014 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society on April 29.

This honor is given to college football players who maintain a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college career.  The athletes must be starters or significant contributors in their last year of eligibility and meet all NCAA-mandated progress towards their degree requirements, according to the football foundation site.

Luke Austin, Trevor Spence and Brendon Garcia were the three named from ISU among the 838 players and 267 schools that nationally qualified for membership in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society.

According to the football foundation site, Steve Hatchell, NFF President and CEO, said the Hampshire Honor Society is vital to displaying that college football players are role models not only on the field but in the classroom as well.

Juggling college, football practice, games and travelling is a hard task that these three players accomplished.

“It was very tough to balance. We had mandatory study table two hours a day that helped me stay on track. The coaching staff really cared about grades a lot,” said Austin.  “They kept us focused in that school is more important than football.”

Austin is graduating in May with a degree in business management. He is planning to move to Boise, ultimately pursue a master’s degree in finance and hopes to work in investments.

“I think [football] really prepared me to be a leader. We have had some tough times. Those taught me to push through and find the positives even when it looks bleak. I had a great time here at Pocatello. ISU was great. I love the campus I love the area. I’m definitely going to miss Pocatello,” said Austin.

Garcia will be graduating with a degree in radiographic science. He found time while practicing and travelling for games to go to his clinicals for school in Idaho Falls.

“If you are determined you can find the time to accomplish anything that you put your mind to doing,” said Garcia.

“[Football] taught me discipline, taught me time management and taught me to be accountable,” said Spence.

Spence will receive his degree in exercise science in May. He is planning on working towards his post-baccalaureate in nursing at ISU and it trying to get into the accelerated nursing program in Meridian.

At times he felt it was difficult to balance school and football, but he doesn’t regret playing football in any way.

“It was definitely an enjoyable experience. I met a lot of good guys. I’ve stayed in touch with a lot of my coaches and met a lot of people, including lifelong friends,” said Spence. “We saw the program build. It is definitely on the rise, and I’m excited for the future.”

According to the football foundation site, the Hampshire Honor Society is expanding in the number of scholar-athletes it recognizes per year.  It has passed the old record by 117 student athletes.

Each player awarded with membership in 2014’s Honor Society receives a certificate commemorating their achievement.