Lehigh University Athletics
Fall 2008 Football Roster
Brendan VanAckeren
- Position:
- DB
- Height:
- 5-10
- Weight:
- 185
- Class:
- Senior
- Hometown:
- Bethlehem, Pa.
- High School:
- Liberty
- Major:
- Industrial Engineering
Why Lehigh? “Lehigh’s reputation as an excellent institution, especially in regards to engineering combined with the high level of FCS football made it the perfect match. The annual success of Lehigh’s football program made it all the more appealing.”
On Coach Coen: “Coach Coen brings with him a strong energy and passion for the game that has become contagious throughout the program. He demands excellence from everyone on the team while always relating to his players positively.”
On being a part of the Lehigh football experience: “It’s an honor and privilege to be a part of the Lehigh Football family. There is such a rich tradition within the program and the support from the university and
Player profile … Team Captain … will compete for one of the starting safety spots … one of the smartest players on team with a 3.47 grade point average … well-respected by teammates and coaches … has packed on nearly 20 pounds since arriving at Lehigh … as a junior … played in all 11 games … totaled 47 tackles, including one-half for loss … career-high eight tackles and one pass breakup vs. archrival Lafayette … posted six tackles vs. No. 16 Yale, Colgate and Bucknell … had at least two tackles in every game … member of Patriot League Academic Honor Roll … as a sophomore … played in nine games in both the secondary and on special teams … was named to Patriot League academic honor role … recorded eight tackles … had two tackles vs. No. 21 Harvard and against Colgate … was awarded the first-ever Jim Gum scholarship … member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll … as a freshman … saw action on special teams in 10 of Lehigh’s 11 games … registered eight special teams tackles … had two tackles in a game on three occasions … recipient of the Nick Timko Engineering Effort Award, given by Lehigh’s SouthSide Boosters … in secondary school … three year starter and captain in football, basketball and baseball … National Honors Society president.
Personal: Son of Bill and Heather Van Ackeren … has a brother, Trevor and one sister, Taylor … member of Student Athlete Mentor Organization … member of numerous groups throughout campus including, Career Services Peer Educator, Student Athlete Mentor Organization, the C.O.A.C.H. program, and the Student Athlete Executive Committee which he serves as secretary for … member of Dean’s List every year at Lehigh.
