Release
COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John's University senior linebacker John Stanton (San Rafael, Calif./Marin Catholic) was named a finalist for the 2010 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team on Wednesday, July 21.
Stanton is one of 112 student-athletes nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the most ever in the 19-year history of the award. In the areas of giving back and volunteerism, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team represents the "best of the best" among more than 50,000 student-athletes participating in the sport at all four-year institutions. The total eclipses the 106 nominees achieved last season, demonstrating the continued growth of a platform that is widely recognized as the most prestigious community service award in college football.
Last summer, Stanton volunteered to help with the sick and disabled for 12 days in Lourdes, France, through St. Vincent's Church in San Rafael, Calif. The previous spring, he spent eight days volunteering at the Circle of Life School on the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota. Stanton also accumulated well more than 100 hours volunteering in high school at Casa Allegra and St. Vincent's Soup Kitchen in San Rafael, Calif.
Last fall, Stanton led the MIAC's top defense with 76 tackles (51 solo) in his first full season as a starter. He also recorded four tackles for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one sack on the year.
From the nominees submitted by sports information directors on behalf of their schools, a special voting panel consisting of former Good Works Team® members and prominent college football media members is responsible for selecting two 11-player Good Works Teams® – one comprised of players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and another representing players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the NAIA – to be announced in September. College Football Hall of Fame member and ESPN broadcaster Lou Holtz is returning for a third year to serve as spokesperson for the program and raise awareness for the stories of the nominees and team members.
ESPN.com will launch a customized Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® web site featuring profiles and images of the final 22 award recipients, as well as unique and interactive content for college football fans. For the first time in the program's history, fans will be able to vote for a Team Captain on ESPN.com.
SJU opens the 2010 season against Northwestern (Minn.) at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Clemens Stadium in Collegeville. Gagliardi begins his record 62nd season overall, 58th season at SJU, this fall. College football's all-time wins leader, Gagliardi begins the 2010 campaign with a 471-126-11 (.784) collegiate career record and a 447-120-10 (.783) record at SJU.
