By Andrew Knoblauch
In an age in which student-athletes at many institutions are too often chided for finding themselves on the wrong side of either the law or academic eligibility requirements, it is especially gratifying to see a player celebrated for staying on the right track. Such is the case with Hofstra senior Cornerback Nick Altomare, who is amongst the nominees for the trophy considered by many to be the “Academic Heisman”.
The “Academic Heisman”, or as it is officially known, The Vincent dePaul Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth Corporation, was established following Draddy’s death in July of 1990.
In order to be selected nominees – all of whom were selected by their respective institutions – must have a minimum 3.2 GPA, demonstrate leadership qualities and have made significant contributions on and off the field. Altomare’s on field exploits in the first 5 games include 29 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 pass break-ups and a forced fumble. These stats along with his academic standing have placed him in the running for the trophy.
“I am very honored to be in the same field as the rest of the candidates. A lot of these guys are from the Ivy League, but it is a real honor. ” Altomare said. “I looked at some of the winners, Peyton [Manning} and Chad [Pennington], it is a tremendous honor to be named in that field of people.”
In the classroom, Altomare excels in marketing and advertising aspects of the business school and notes that working hard has been the key to his success.
“I live in the library, I study all the time. I am at class all the time and I study hard, and just do the best I can,” Altomare said after a two-hour practice, and on his way to get ready for his eight o-clock class.
Hard work has also garnered the cornerback more than a high GPA and proficiency in marketing and advertising. Over the last two seasons Altomare has garnered both football and academic honors as he is a two-time Academic All Conference selection and named to both FCS Athletic Director’s Association Academic All-Star Team and also a CoSIDA-ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team member in 2007.
Even with all the success on the field Altomare’s parents still stress his academic standing and are a huge influence in his life.
“My parents are a huge part of my life. I talk to them almost every day. They come to every game.” Altomare said. “No matter what I do on the field though, they want to see my grades, which are more important to them than anything I’ll do on the field,”
While his parents stress the academic side of his life Altomare has taken on a leadership role for the Pride this season. After graduating several defensive backs and defensive players, Altomare was forced into the role.
“It was on me to step up and take some of the young guys who have not been in the program, and kind of show them the way.” Altomare said. “I have had a great time working with the other defensive backs.”
Altomare is pursuing many off the field opportunities as his football career comes to a close. internship options to work for ESPN and he hopes to eventually work in Bristol, Connecticut (ESPN Headquarters) and continue to stay involved with advertising.
“I am going to miss it,” Altomare said. “to be a senior on this team is an honor. But don’t take anything for granted, because it goes by so fast. Work as hard as you can on the field but you need to be able to translate that to life. Football only lasts so long, it is important to get your degree and graduate from Hofstra,” Altomare said.
The Awards Committee of college football meets in late October to select the winner, and the award is given out following the conclusion of the season. The winner receives the 25 pound bronze trophy as well as a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship. Until then, Altomare has more football to play and more studying to do.