PELLA—The Central College football program keeps pushing for academic excellence. For the second year in a row, eight of its standout players landed spots on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Football teams at the NCAA Division III level.
This recognition highlights their athletic talent and their dedication to academics. To even be considered, athletes need a GPA of 3.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale, and only varsity starters or key reserves—no freshmen or transfers—can make the cut.
The big dream for these players? Earning CSC Academic All-America® honors, which are set to be announced on January 27.
Central College’s Consistent Academic Excellence
Central College has a reputation for balancing athletics and academics. This year’s honorees really show what that tradition looks like in action.
All eight players named to the CSC Academic All-District® Football teams have shown serious commitment both on the field and in the classroom.
Returning Honorees
Three of these players are being recognized for the third year in a row:
- Maximus Reitano – Center, Senior, Grimes, Dallas Center-Grimes HS
- Ben DeMeulenaere – Cornerback, Senior, Belle Plaine
- Gavin Smith – Cornerback, Senior, Audubon
They’ve figured out how to juggle the demands of college sports and tough coursework. It’s not easy, and they’re setting the standard for everyone else.
Second-Time Honoree
Linebacker Cole Clark (Fifth Year, Lisbon) is on the list for the second time. His leadership—on the field and off—has made a real difference for Central College.
First-Time Honorees
Four players are making their first appearance on the list, which says a lot about the depth of talent at Central:
- Tate Jirovsky – Wide Receiver, Sophomore, Grundy Center
- Logan Lursen – Linebacker, Junior, Mason City, Newman Catholic HS
- Cam Schulte – Wide Receiver, Sophomore, Pella
- Ethan Thomas – Defensive Lineman, Senior, Ankeny
These guys have made a real impact for the team, all while keeping their grades up. That deserves some serious respect.
The Importance of Academic Recognition in Athletics
Getting named to the CSC Academic All-District® Football teams isn’t just about individual achievement. It’s a sign of the academic culture Central College has built over the years.
This recognition is also tied to a broader NCAA Division III initiative, which helps support the CSC as it manages awards for the 2025-26 Division III Academic All-America® teams program.
Criteria for Selection
The process is pretty competitive. To qualify, student-athletes must:
- Be a varsity starter or key reserve
- Keep a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above
- Not be a freshman or a transfer
Each school can only nominate a handful of players, so making the list is a big deal. The next step for these athletes is the CSC Academic All-America® teams, with announcements coming soon.
Impact on Future Aspirations
This kind of recognition can open doors for student-athletes, no matter what they pursue after college. Whether it’s sports, grad school, or something totally different, having CSC Academic All-District® Football on your resume is something people notice.
Conclusion
Central College’s football program keeps raising the bar, both in the classroom and out on the field. Eight players just landed spots on the CSC Academic All-District® Football teams.
It’s not just about talent—there’s a lot of grit and support behind these achievements. The environment at Central College seems to give student-athletes the space to really push themselves.
We’re still waiting to see who makes the CSC Academic All-America® teams on January 27. Honestly, though, these players have already hit an impressive milestone in their college journeys.
If you’re curious about more details on Central College football’s academic success, check out the official announcement.
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