December 10, 2001
Texas A&M senior center Seth McKinney was named Monday to the first-team Verizon Academic All-America team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
"It's a great honor to be named an Academic All-American," McKinney said. "My parents have always stressed to do your best in everything you pursue, especially academics. I've had a lot of excellent professors in the College of Business and the academic support services here at Texas A&M are outstanding."
McKinney has already earned his bachelor's degree in management information systems and is currently working toward his master's degree in the same field of study from the College of Business. McKinney posted a 3.73 grade-point as an undergraduate and will make his 50th consecutive start at center for the Aggie football team. He is only the fifth Division I-A center to start all four seasons at the center position. A consensus All-Big 12 selection at center, McKinney has also been named to several second-team All-America squads as well as being named a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation's top center. McKinney was named the male A&M Scholar-Athlete of the Year in the spring of 2001 at the annual academic awards banquet.
To be nominated for the team, the student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.20 cumulative grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his career. No athlete is eligible until he has reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his institution.
The Academic All-America program is celebrating 50 years. The first Academic All-America squad was selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America in 1952.
McKinney and the Aggie football team will continue preparations for the Galleryfurniture.com Bowl at the conclusion of final exams on Wednesday.