Aaron Rusch Named the 2010 Max Sparger Football Scholar-Athlete Recipient

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Aaron Rusch has been named the 2010 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Max Sparger Football Scholar-Athlete.

A senior from Hartford, Wis., Rusch boasts a 3.82 grade point average and is majoring in physical education with a minor in health and special education. Rusch is a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll and been named to UW-Whitewater’s Dean’s List in each of his eight semesters. He is a Golden Key National Honor Society nominee and Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honor Organization nominee. Rusch has served as a representative on UW-Whitewater’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

A team captain this season, he holds numerous UW-Whitewater records, including career receiving yards (3,392), career receptions (256) and most receptions in a season (85 receptions in 2008). Rusch’s 85 receptions during the 2008 season rank third in WIAC history, while his 256 career receptions rank second and 3,392 yards fourth.

Rusch received All-WIAC first team honors in 2009 and 2010 after claiming second team accolades in 2008. He helped UW-Whitewater to national titles in 2007 and 2009, as well as four consecutive WIAC crowns. Rusch was an All-West Region third team selection in 2009 by D3football.com.

In addition to his academic and athletic accomplishments, Rusch is a member of the Coaching, Health, Athletics, Recreation and Physical Education (C.H.A.R.P.E.) national organization. He has served as a weight room supervisor and volunteer with the “Lunch Buddy” and “Reading with the Warhawks” programs.

The WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award is named after Max Sparger, who served as commissioner of the Wisconsin State University Conference from July, 1971 - July, 1993.

In order to be nominated for the scholar-athlete award, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average. In addition, he must be in his last year of competition, or on schedule to graduate this academic year, and have competed for a minimum of two years.