Press release by Clarion University Sports Information
(Towson, Md.): Clarion University strong safety Nick Sipes (Sr. Curwensville) was honored today as a member of the First Team ESPN Academic All-American (College Division) Football Team as selected by the CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America).
Sipes was a selection at defensive back, where only four players were chosen on the first team from players that included universities in NCAA Division II, III, NAIA and Junior Colleges from across the country.
An extremely prestigious honor, Sipes is only the fourth Clarion University athlete to be named as a First Team Academic All-American by CoSIDA since its inception in 1971. The others were diver Jamie Wolf (2007), running back Steve Witte (1996) and men’s swimmer Enrique Conterno (1987).
“This is such a great honor for Nick,” said Clarion head football coach Jay Foster. “He’s been a model student athlete here at Clarion and a great leader on our football team. We are so proud to have him represent Clarion University and our program.”
Sipes, a 5-11, 225-pound, senior, strong safety from Curwensville, Pa., has a 3.75 cumulative QPA in Biology, Pre-Med. He intends on attending medical school after graduation and would like to become an orthopedic surgeon. A PSAC and Clarion Scholar Athlete the last three years, Nick is the son of Leland and Tammy Sipes of Curwensville.
“This award means a lot to me,” said Sipes. “It really recognizes all the hard work it takes to be a quality student athlete and defines what I’ve tried to stand for throughout my career. I want to thank my parents and my grandfather (Ken Cathcart) who taught me to stay focused on my goals and develop all of my potential skills. Without their guidance this would not be possible.”
In 2010 Sipes led Clarion’s defense and was third in the entire PSAC with 107 tackles, plus had 12 tfl’s for – 21 yards, 1 sack, 3 fumbles caused and 1 interception, fumble recovery and break-up.
Top games this year include 17 tackles and 1 tfl vs Cal, 13 hits and 3 tfl’s vs Shipp, and 10 tackles in five other games. He was the PSAC-West defensive “Player of the Week” vs IUP this year helping Clarion to a 21-14 win over the Hawks. He had 10 tackles, 1 qb sack, recovered a fumble and notched an interception.
In 2009 Nick was an HM FB Gazette All-American, first team FB Gazette and Daktronics Super Region 1 choice and second team PSAC-West selection. He led the entire PSAC with 112 tackles (52 solo), with 6 sacks for -23 yards and 12 tfl’s for -36 yards. He had 1 fumble caused and 1 pass break-up.
Top individual performances included 19 hits, 2 tfl’s, 1 sack against IUP, 14 stops and 1 sack versus Cal, 13 jolts and 1 sack at Fairmont and 12 stops at Edinboro.
In 2008 Nick played running back on offense and had 29 rushing yards and 3 td’s, and 12 receptions for 104 yards. In 2007 he was a defensive safety and had 71 tackles with 4 tfl’s.
Sipes defensive career numbers show him collecting 302 tackles, 28 tfl’s, 7 sacks, 5 fumbles caused, 3 fumbles recovered, 3 break-ups, 1 int., and 1 blocked kick.
CLARION NOTES: Last week Sipes was named to the All PSAC-West squad … In October he was named as a National Football Foundation semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy … Clarion finished 4-7 overall and 3-4 in the PSAC-West in 2010…. The other defensive backs on the ESPN Academic All-America First Team with Sipes include Kyle DeMus (Elmhurst College), Brian Doyle (M.I.T.) and Ian Wild (Mercyhurst).