Senior DB Michael Schmidt Named Scholar Athlete by National Football Foundation
The National Football Foundation (NFF) honored one Blue Jay football player and 28 other student-athletes from around the metro area at its annual Scholar Athlete Awards Luncheon. The event, which is presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, was held Tuesday, May 7, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Senior Michael Schmidt was recognized for his efforts, both on the football field and in the classroom, by Archie Manning. The former Ole Miss and Saints quarterback serves as the national chairman of the NFF and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Schmidt’s high school résumé is well-deserving of this honor and extends far beyond his role as a defensive back on the football team. His academic achievements include the Honor Roll, National Honor Society (Vice President), Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, and being named a WGNO Scholar Athlete of the Week. He was a three-year letterman in both football and lacrosse, and was named all-district in lacrosse. And finally, his vast extracurricular achievements are the following: Student Council, Campus Ministry, Jesuit Service Corps, Peer Support, Big Brother, Mu Alpha Theta, Urban Farming Club, and a member of the PLEASE Foundation.
Joining Schmidt and his parents—Shannon and Evans Schmidt ’84 — were football coaches Mark Songy, Troy Baglio, and Terry Ursin ’93. Administrators attending the event were athletic director Dave Moreau, history teacher Dan DiRosa ’81, alumni chaplain Fr. Paul Shaughnessy, S.J., and alumni events coordinator Jack Culotta, Jr. ’13.
Video highlights of the event are available at crescentcitysports.com.
(WATCH at 10:35) YouTube.com | Michael Schmidt Recognized by Archie Manning
Galleries
NFF Scholar Athlete Awards Luncheon, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, May 7, 2019
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Scholar athletes watch a video at the start of the National Football Foundation (NFF) awards luncheon.
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After attendees enjoy lunch Dennis Lauscha, a Blue Jay of the Class of 1987, takes to the podium to introduce Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, who received the Distinguished American Award.
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Jesuit senior and scholar athlete honoree Michael Schmidt looks on...
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...as Gayle Benson gives her acceptance speech.
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Shannon and Evans Schmidt '84 stand to be recognized among the parents of scholar athletes.
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Football coaches Mark Songy, Troy Baglio, and Terry Ursin ’93 stand to be recognized.
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NFF national chairman Archie Manning recognizes the scholar athletes one by one, and among the 29 individuals is...
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...Jesuit defensive back Michael Schmidt.
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Schmidt takes the scholar athlete group photo.