Rockford’s Anderson named semifinalist for NFF Campbell Trophy

UW-Whitewater/Craig Schreiner photo The Journal
Linebacker Matt Anderson reacts to a Warhawk surge in the third quarter against the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Tex. in the semifinal game of the Division III NCAA football tournament on Dec. 8, 2018

Matt Anderson, a native of Rockford, graduate of Rockford Lutheran Jr. and Sr. High School and senior on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team, is one of 185 semifinalists nationwide for the 2019 William V. Campbell Trophy presented by Mazda, an award from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
Anderson, a linebacker, is one of 49 semifinalists from NCAA Division III for the Campbell Trophy, which recognizes the top football scholar-athlete in the nation.
The 12-14 finalists selected next month will each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, with the winner to receive an additional $7,000 for a total of $25,000.
To be nominated, student-athletes must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of playing eligibility, must have a grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, must be a starter or significant contributor and must have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.
Anderson is in his fourth year as a member of the Warhawks and in his third year as a part of the team’s regular playing rotation. He helped team to two WIAC championships (2016, 2018) and two appearances in the NCAA Division III Playoffs (2016, 2018), including a trip to last year’s national semifinals. Anderson claimed the team’s Highest Cumulative GPA Award in 2018, and was the team’s Special Teams Player of the Week for Oct. 22 to 28, 2018.
Anderson is a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll and a member of UW-Whitewater’s Dean’s List. A biology major with an emphasis in pre-biomedical professions, Anderson carries a perfect 4.0 GPA and will graduate this May. He is a recipient of the UW-Whitewater Chancellor’s Scholarship.
Anderson has been actively involved in the community during his time as a Warhawk. He has helped plant food donated to the Whitewater Community Food Pantry in UW-Whitewater’s on-campus garden, and participates as a volunteer in the team’s partnerships with the Special Olympics, Whitewater Community Food Pantry and Fairhaven Senior Services.
For more than 150 years, UW-Whitewater has provided students with the education and training to begin their careers with a solid foundation behind them. The UW-Whitewater is committed to the development of the individual, the growth of personal and professional integrity and respect for diversity and global perspectives. These are met by providing academic and co-curricular programs that emphasize the pursuit of knowledge and understanding and a commitment to service within a safe and secure environment.