FCS ADA Release
 
Bronx, N.Y. (January 4, 2014) – Fordham University senior defensive lineman Brett Biestek was named one of 43 NCAA FCS players named to the 16^th annual Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) Academic All-Star Team. He is one of three Patriot League student-athletes named to the team. Additionally, Biestek was named one of seven finalists for the FCS ADA's $5,000 Postgraduate Scholarships.
 
This is the third academic award for Biestek, who was also named First Team Capital One Academic All-America® last month, Fordham's first football Academic All-American^® since Barry Cantrell in 1997, as well as being named Academic All-Patriot League in November. It also marks the second straight year a Fordham student-athlete was named to the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team as Patrick Murray received the honor last year.
  Biestek, a senior Finance major with a 3.78 GPA, started all 14 games on the Fordham defensive line this fall, recording 58 total tackles, 40 solo, including 14.5 tackles for a loss of 74 yards and five sacks for 36 yards. He also had five quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a blocked kick. Biestek tied for second in the Patriot League in tackles for loss per game (1.04) and tied for seventh in sacks per game (0.36) and was named first team All-Patriot League.
 
Over his career, Biestek has 86 total tackles, 58 solo, including 20 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He also has eleven pass breakups.
 
A Finance major with a 3.78 GPA, Biestek is on schedule to graduate in three-and-a-half years and will enter the Fordham MBA program in the spring. He is believed to be just the second Fordham football player to do so.
 
"The FCS ADA is honored to present this prestigious award to our football student-athletes each year," stated FCS ADA President Brian Hutchinson, director of athletics, Morehead State University. "Each year, these young men epitomize the definition of student-athlete, both in the classroom and on the field. Our Association is pleased to recognize their accomplishments annually."
 
Football players from all Football Championship Subdivision institutions are eligible for these prestigious awards. Each of the nominees was required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. He must have reached his second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. He must also have participated in 50 percent of the games played at his designated position.
 
Biestek is one of seven finalists who have been selected to be considered for the 13^th Annual FCS ADA's $5,000 Postgraduate Scholarships.  Two student-athletes will receive postgraduate scholarships during the Association's annual membership meeting held in conjunction with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Convention, being held at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Fla., June 9-12.