Barket, Spadola once again named to Academic All-District team
11/8/2012 5:21:00 PM | Football
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - As the Lehigh football team prepares to play for a third straight Patriot League title on Saturday, two Mountain Hawks were recognized for their success in the classroom on Thursday as seniors Zach Barket and Ryan Spadola were named to the Capital One Academic All-District II Football team. The honor is voted on by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) whose schools are in the region.
This marks the second consecutive season in which Barket and Spadola both garnered Academic All-District recognition.
Lehigh's leading rusher, Barket has gained 457 yards on 124 carries this season, while scoring four touchdowns on the ground. He also leads all Mountain Hawk running backs with 15 receptions for 86 yards on the season. Barket's best game this season was a 123-yard effort in Lehigh's 17-14 win at Georgetown on October 13. The Schuylkill Haven, Pa. native enjoyed a career year in 2011, earning first team All-Patriot League honors after rushing for 706 yards and four touchdowns, while catching 33 passes for 329 yards and five scores. An accounting major, Barket carries a 3.46 grade point average. Already a three-year letter-winner, Barket has made multiple appearances on the Dean's List and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. Last year Barket was named to the Academic All-Patriot League team and was named a FCS ADA Academic All-Star.
A two-time All-American and the preseason Patriot League Player of the Year, Spadola came back from a bout with mononucleosis to have his best game of the season last Saturday at Holy Cross. Spadola caught eight passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead 33 yard touchdown catch with two minutes remaining. In seven games this season, the Howell, N.J. native has 42 receptions for a team-leading 678 yards and three touchdowns. Last year Spadola enjoyed a record-setting season with 96 receptions for 1,614 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to numerous All-America honors. A member of the Dean's List and the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll as well as an Academic All-Patriot League selection in 2011, Spadola carries a 3.31 grade point average majoring in supply chain management.
No. 5/8 Lehigh carries a 9-0 record and 18 game regular season winning streak into Saturday's game against Colgate, where the winner will capture the Patriot League's automatic berth to the FCS Playoffs. Kickoff is set for just after 12:30 p.m. at Goodman Stadium. Tickets can be purchased by calling 610-7LU-GAME or by logging on to Lehighsports.com.
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