November 17, 1998

Villanova University tight end Jay Strippoli has been named to the 1998 GTE All Academic District II Football first team. Strippoli will now be placed on the national ballot with the Academic All-America Football Team to be released on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

Currently pursuing his MBA in Villanova's graduate school, Strippoli has a 3.20 grade point average in accounting. A co-captain on this year's Wildcat squad, Strippoli has enjoyed a productive season for head coach Andy Talley and the Wildcats. After 10 games, Strippoli has 15 catches for 123 yards and six touchdown receptions. His six receiving scores rank him second on the team in that category.

"Jay puts 110 percent into everything that he does. He not only earned a scholarship and became a starter on our football team, but he was chosen team captain by his teammates," said Talley. "Jay is a great role model for the Villanova football team as both an outstanding student and a tireless worker."

Strippoli, a native of Toms River, N.J., will close out his Villanova career on Saturday, Nov. 21 when the Wildcats host Rhode Island in the final game of the 1998 season.