NORTHBROOK, Ill. - More than a month into the
2008 college football season, the off-the-field achievements of a
select group of dedicated and hard-working players have
distinguished them from among the more than 50,000 student-athletes
competing in the sport. To honor these players and bring awareness
to their selfless deeds, Allstate Insurance Company and the
American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) have announced the 22
student-athletes chosen for the 2008 Allstate AFCA Good Works
Teams®.
Sewanee Senior Tyler Brantley
(Danielsville, Ga., Athens Academy) (Danielsville, Ga.) has
received this prestigious national award, according to Vince
Thompson of the AFCA and Lou Holtz, spokesman for the Good Works
Team. Brantley is a graduate of Athens Academy and is the son of
John and Patty Brantley of Danielsville. "I feel very honored to be
named to the 2008 Good Works Team," added Brantley. "The goals of
the AFCA - in developing a program such as the Good Works Team -
run in stride with what Sewanee professors and coaches strive to
teach their students and athletes on a daily basis - the idea that
we each have an opportunity to positively influence those around us
wherever we go. My experience as an athlete at Sewanee has
reinforced the idea that teamwork, servant leadership, and success
go hand in hand. In the end, this theory can be applied far beyond
the athletic field and in virtually any walk of life."
In addition to outstanding athletic achievement as one of the
leading tacklers on the football team, Brantley has served as
president of the Honor Council, Vice-President of the
Student-Athlete Advisory Council, member of the Order of Gownsmen
and he is a Wilkins Scholar. The senior natural resources major
from Danielsville, Ga. taught 5th and 6th grades at the Pasua
Primary School in Moshi, Tanzania last summer (2007), highlighting
his dedication to service. After three weeks at the school,
Brantley also explored the African wilderness and even climbed to
the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. He has also participated in
numerous other service activities in Sewanee and at home in
Georgia, including clean-ups of Lake Cheston and local youth group
work at home.
"I am so pleased that Tyler Brantley has been named to the AFCA All
State Good Works Team," commented Sewanee head coach Robert Black.
Coaches talk so much about how selflessness on the field leads to
championships and how this selfless behavior teaches young people
how to lead their lives as they mature. It is wonderful to see so
many young people apply that selflessness to their lives right now.
Tyler is a wonderful representative from our team and our
University who sets a selfless example every day on and off the
field. We are very proud of him."
In order to meet the criteria set forth by Allstate and AFCA, each
player must be actively involved and committed to working with a
charitable organization, service group or community service while
maintaining good academic standing. Candidates must also display
sincere concern and reliability, while also having made a favorable
impression on the organizations with which they are involved.
Neither athletic ability nor on-the-field achievements are among
the selection criteria.
Brantley is one of just two players from Division III to be
recognized on the 2008 team.
For the complete listing of this year's Allstate AFCA Good Works
Teams®, click here.