KU's Reesing Honored At National Football Foundation Dinner
Dec. 9, 2009
NEW YORK, N.Y. –
Kansas senior quarterback Todd Reesing was one of 16 college student-athletes recognized at an awards dinner Tuesday by the National Football Foundation as a member of the National Scholar-Athlete class.
The 2009 scholar-athlete class enjoyed a couple of days in New York City as part of the annual awards dinner.
Members of the class receive $18,000 post-graduate scholarships. Tim Tebow of Florida was named the Campbell Trophy winner as the top scholar-athlete and was awarded $25,000.
The induction of the 2009 College Football Hall of Fame Class also occurred during Tuesday night’s banquet.
“It is truly an honor and privilege to be here,” Reesing said at the Tuesday morning press conference. “To be included in this class with the quality of guys that are around me is truly a blessing. First off, my parents, I have to thank them because I wouldn’t be here without them. The foundation, for putting on this event, treating us so well, it’s really a great deal to be a part of. I’m just truly blessed to be here. I thank my university and my coaches for giving me the guidance, showing me the way to do things. I’m just humbled to be here and I thank everyone who is a part of this because it is really a great time.”
The players were housed at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City. On Monday night they were welcomed by NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell before attending a Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. The group then ate dinner at Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant on Central Park South.
“It was great to meet guys from all over the country from different divisions and learn about their accomplishments,” Reesing said. “They are quality people and it was a lot of fun to hang out with them.”
Reesing also spent time with the Hall of Fame inductees as part of press conferences, photo gatherings and social time.
“Just being a part of an event of this magnitude and what it represents was an amazing experience,” he said. “To be in the same room with so many legendary players and coaches who have achieved so much, and to sit on the dais with those who did so much for college football, was unbelievable.”
Reesing, who owns a 3.64 grade-point average while pursuing a double major in finance and economics, finished his KU career with nearly every school passing record. He threw for 11,194 yards and 90 touchdowns while leading the Jayhawks to a 25-13 record, including consecutive bowl victories.
Reesing became the fourth football player from KU to earn a national scholar-athlete award from the NFF joining Ronald Oelschlager in 1964, Michael McCoy in 1971 and Tom Fitch in 1977.
