WAYNESBURG (July 23) - The Waynesburg University football team continues to gain national recognition and accolades from major publications as they prepare to open camp.
Recently, Sporting News named Waynesburg University sophomore running back
Robert Heller (Monongahela, Pa./Ringgold) as one of its three All-American running backs for Division III.
Heller led Division III with 197.8 rushing yards a game this season and ranked third in the country in scoring at 14.7 points per contest. The freshman standout set single-season school records with 2,176 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns on 383 attempts. Heller also became the first player in school history to rush for 300 yards in a game and eclipsed the 100-yard mark in all 11 games this season.
The entire Yellow Jacket football team was given exposure as they were named as a listed under the magazine's "Others to Watch" heading, which highlighted programs around the country that are expected to have productive 2008 seasons.
Both Heller and senior defensive end
DJ DeWitt (Vanderbilt, Pa./Connellsville) were highlighted in the team's write up.
Heller also received another individual accolade as he was recognized as a "Player to Watch" in the USA Today Sports Weekly College Football Preview.
Waynesburg opens the 2008 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Wiley Stadium with 1:30 p.m. game against the College of Wooster. The Yellow Jackets return 16 starters (eight offensive, five defensive, three specialists) from last year's squad that reached the post-season for the third time in the last five years.