The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced the 2019 Academic All-District NAIA football team on Thursday afternoon. The Cardinals had three members on the team led by Amaan Payne (SR/Holt, MI)'s repeat selection. Andrew Foerster (JR/Swartz Creek) and Cooper O'Gara (SR/Cincinnati, OH) were also selected to the first team.
Payne was voted in by Sports Information Directors from District 1 that includes 22 states. After being named to the all-district team in 2018, Payne continues to play an integral role within the Cardinals efficient defense. During his senior campaign to date, Payne has totaled 44 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss totaling 21 yards, and 2 sacks. Payne has also recorded a career high 3 interceptions including one that was returned for a 96 yard touchdown. Amaan Payne is actively involved in the Justice and Public Policy program with plans to pursue a career in law enforcement. Payne maintains a cumulative GPA of a 3.52
Senior captain Cooper O'Gara has supported Payne's defensive efforts as an anchor on the defensive line. Cooper has totaled a career high 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Cooper recorded a career high 8 tackles in the Cardinals comeback win over Saint Xavier earlier this season. Cooper is actively involved in the Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) and has excelled in the Haab School of Business with a 3.32 GPA.
Andrew Foerster has maximized his time on the field this season after being limited earlier in his career with injuries. Foerster has totaled a career high in tackles (20) and sacks (3.5). He also has 8.5 tackles for a loss totaling 43 yards. In the Cardinals 56-7 win over Lawrence Tech last week, Forester recorded his first career fumble recovery for a touchdown totaling 53 yards. Foerster is a secondary education major with a cumulative GPA of 3.49.
The three Cardinals will now be placed on the ballot for CoSIDA all-america consideration with those teams being released in December.
The 2019 All-District football teams have been released to recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom. For more information about Academic All-District and Academic All-America Teams program, please visit http://cosida.com
