Three Fighting Scots on All-North Region Team

A trio of players from The College of Wooster was honored on the D3football.com All-North Region Team, as offensive lineman Storm Tropea, linebacker Matt DeGrand, and return specialist Bryan Albani all earned third-team recognition, the popular Web site announced late Thursday.

Tropea, the lone repeat selection for the Fighting Scots with the left guard having received a second-team nod last fall, helped lead a unit that ranks among the top-50 in NCAA Div. III in sacks allowed (16th, 0.80 per game), total offense (46th, 407.5 ypg), rushing offense (49th, 185.7 ypg), and scoring offense (49th, 31.3 ypg). This year, the 6-0, 265-pound senior graded out at a team-leading 80 percent and registered 56 knockdown blocks, according to the coaching staff's statistics.

DeGrand, a 6-0, 205-pound senior, served as the cornerstone of Wooster's defense. From the strong-side 'backer position, he averaged 12.4 tackles per outing, ranking sixth nationally, and his total of 112 tied for the 11th-most in school history, despite missing seven quarters due to injury. DeGrand intercepted two passes, returning one 82 yards for a score, and forced two fumbles, to go with 5.5 tackles for loss. A multi-sport standout, he is now focused on resuming his role as a top-tier pitcher for the Scots' nationally-ranked baseball team, entering 2010 with a 15-2 career record and 3.75 ERA.

Albani produced one of the top seasons ever by a Wooster kick returner with a rate of 29.6 yards per attempt. That average puts him No. 4 in Div. III and was boosted by two run backs for touchdowns – an 88-yarder against Waynesburg University on Sept. 5 and a school-record 93-yards against rival Case Western Reserve University Oct. 10. Also a starting cornerback, the 5-10, 185-pound senior will now turn his attention to track season, looking to add to his collection of eight all-conference awards (six in track, two in football).

A total of 76 players were chosen for this year's All-North Region Team, which is voted on by D3football.com staff and various sports information directors in the 58-school district, which includes most in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.