Former Sweet Home football star Zane Wise is one of seven Willamette University football players chosen for the seventh annual class of the Hampshire Honor Society, sponsored by the National Football Foundation.
The Hampshire Honor Society recognizes college football players from all divisions who are seniors and have maintained at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average during their collegiate careers.
Wise, an offensive guard, started every game in 2010 and 2011 for a total of 20 games played over the two seasons. In 2012, his skills at protecting the quarterback helped Willamette complete 287 of 445 passes (64.5%) for 3,550 yards and 37 touchdowns. In 2010, his blocking was one reason the Bearcats gained 2,209 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground.
Overall, he played in 30 games during his career. He was named Honorable Mention All-NWC in 2012 and Second Team All-NWC in 2011.
While working on a major in Exercise Science, Wise attained a 3.31 cumulative GPA through the fall semester.
The other Willamette seniors being honored this year after completing their eligibility during the 2012 season are Jake Knecht (WR, Issaquah, WA/Skyline HS/Illinois State Univ.), Tommy Laird (PK, Beaverton, OR/Beaverton HS), Matt Millar (DE, Clovis, CA/Floyd B. Buchanan HS), Cody Pastorino (S, Glenn, CA/Willows HS), Jake Turner (WR, Ontario, OR/Ontario HS) and Wes Wenzel (ILB, Portland, OR/Sunset HS).
The overall Hampshire Honor Society class of 2013 includes 703 players from 259 colleges and universities. At least one player was selected from more college and universities this year than in any other class since the Hampshire Honor Society was started in 2007. This year’s athletes were nominated after completing the fall semester in 2012.
Willamette’s seven selections are the most in school history. Since 2007, a total of 24 Bearcats have been selected for the Hampshire Honor Society.
To qualify for membership in the society, players must
• Be a starter or significant substitute in the last year of eligibility at an accredited NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III or NAIA college or university.
• Achieve a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout undergraduate study.
• Meet all NCAA-mandated progress-toward-degree requirements.