TOWSON, Md. – Dayton defensive back Steve Wirkus and Drake defensive back Michael Lahart were named to the Capital One Academic All-America Division I footbal team, as chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Wirkus, a senior accounting major, was a First-Team Academic All-America selection. He led the Pioneer Football League in interceptions per game (0.5).  Despite missing three games with injuries, he led Dayton in solo tackles (37), and was second on the team in passes broken up (seven).  He was also second on the team in tackles per game (6.8).

Lahart,a senior pharmacy major, was a Second-Team Academic All-America selection. Also missing three games due to injury, he still led Drake in interceptions (five, 0.6 per game), passes defensed (13) and punt return yardage (14 returns, 6.9 yards per return). 

Since the program’s inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 14,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA, covering all NCAA championship sports.  For more information about the Academic All-America® Teams program, please visit www.cosida.com.