Utica Standout John Stroughn Nominated for 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
Empire 8 Athletic Conference
Football | 7/11/2023 1:17:52 PM
UTICA, NY – Utica University senior defensive lineman John Stroughn was named one of 136 nominees from across the country for the 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® has been one of the most esteemed honors in college football for more than 30 years. The student-athletes who are nominated for this award not only demonstrate a unique dedication to community service and desire to make a positive impact on the lives around them, but they also show tremendous perseverance as well as the ability to overcome personal struggles and come out victorious against all odds.
Stroughn and his fellow nominees were selected in large part due to spending their free time working to change lives by mentoring youth, feeding the hungry and donating their earnings. Some have even established their own non-profit 501 (c)(3) organizations. They've also maintained excellent grades and obtained Dean's List honors among other academic awards.
“I’m impressed and inspired by these young men because they’re incredible athletes and amazing human beings,” said Tim Tebow, two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner and 2009 Good Works Team member. “When you give back to the community, it gives you purpose and can change your whole life – and the lives of others.”
A special voting panel consisting of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® members and prominent college football media members will review submissions from sports information directors across the nation to select the 2023 Good Works Team®.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® is comprised of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA and one honorary head coach. To be in consideration by Allstate and the AFCA for a nomination, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining a strong academic standing.
The final roster of 22 award recipients and honorary head coach will be unveiled in September.
After the final team members are announced in September, fans can vote for this year’s Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain through the official page on ESPN.com/allstate. Fans can join the conversation on social media with #GoodWorksTeam throughout the season.
“These players embody the best of what college football stands for: character, selflessness and the willingness to serve and give to others,” AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said. “The AFCA proudly stands alongside Allstate and each of these players’ families and communities to applaud their inspirational work.”
On the football field, Stroughn enjoyed a tremendous 2022 season for the Pioneers, who finished 10-2 overal and earned their first NCAA Division III Tournament berth in program history. He earned 2022 All-Empire 8 second team honors after making 59 tackles, including 22 solo stops. In addition, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for a loss, coming back off season-ending injury suffered early in 2021. Stroughn has appeared in 29 career games and has 132 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.
