Illinois States Stephen Carroll and Pete Holak were each recognized for their excellence in the classroom and on the field as the Redbird tandem was named to the 2003 Academic All-Conference Football Team Monday.
Carroll was one of 12 student-athletes who earned first team honors. In all the conference recognized 33 student-athletes. Holak received honorable mention honors.
Nominees must be starters or important reserves with at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average (4.0 scale). Student-athletes must have reached sophomore academic and athletic standing at their institutions (freshmen are not eligible) and must have completed at least one full academic year at their institution. League sports information directors voted on the team by designating 11 players for first-team honors and 11 players for second-team honors.
Last week, Carroll was named to the 2003 CoSIDA Academic All-District V University Division Football Team. He carries a 3.53 grade point average and is majoring in business.
Carroll finished the season converting 15 of his 19 field goal attempts, all 35 PAT attempts and ranked second on the team in scoring with 80 points. He has successfully converted 84 straight PATs, which is the second longest streak in both Illinois State and Gateway Football Conference history. He is just one make away from tying the school record.
The OFallon, Ill., native owns a 72.7 percent career field goal percentage which is the best in school history. He also owns the Hancock Stadium record with a 56-yard field goal set during the 2002 season against Youngstown State. Carroll ranks No. 3 in Redbird history with 40 made field goals in his career. He is also No. 5 in career points with 213, which ranks fourth by a kicker. Carroll is also a member of the Illinois State deans list and the AFNI Athletics Honor Roll.
Holak played in 10 games for the Redbirds, before missing the last two games due to injury. He was instrumental in the Redbirds net punt average, which ranked No. 2 nationally. The Canton, Ill., native provided punt coverage all season and finished with six special team tackles.
Holak is a three-time member of the AFNI Athletics Honor Roll. The senior owns a 3.67 GPA and is majoring in philosophy.
