Senior Flynn Cochran, who hails from Kent, Wash., was honored last week with an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship from The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Cochran is one of 15 student-athletes, and one of just two Division III athletes, to be selected for the scholarship.
The scholarship is given to students who excel in scholarship, citizenship, and athletic performance. The requirements to receive this scholarship are that the athlete must be a senior or graduate student in his final year of eligibility, have at least a 3.0 GPA, have shown superior academic application and performance, have outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.
Other recipients of the scholarship include Craig Krenzel, the stand-out quarterback from The Ohio State University, Eli Manning, a quarterback from University of Mississippi, John Frieser of Colgate University, Renaldo Works of top-ranked University of Oklahoma, and a number of D-I and II football players. Justin Napotnik, the only other D-III honoree, is a running back for Thiel College.
Cochran, a management major, is currently helping the team as a wide receiver, but has also seen time at defensive back, kick returner, quarterback, running back, punter, and punt returner. His versitile play has helped the team reach two conference titles and their first NCAA showing in 2001.
He has received many awards and honors. In 2002, he was a National Academic All-America First Team selection, an All-District 1 First Team honoree, and a UCAA All-Academic Team member. He is a regular appearance on the School of Management Dean’s List and has been an Academic All-Conference selection twice. Cochran has also earned the RPI Academic Excellence Award and is a member of the Epsilon Delta Sigma Management Honor Society.
Cochran is an Eagle Scout, a member of the Troy Disaster Relief Squad, and a youth Sunday School teacher. He also finds time to be the Company Commander of the Navy ROTC unit and is a starting infielder for the RPI baseball team.
As the starting shortstop, Cochran has assisted the baseball team to three NCAA Regional Tournaments and a World Series.
The student-athletes will be honored at The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s 46th Annual Awards Dinner on December 9 in New York City. One of the recipients will be awarded the Draddy Trophy and an additional $7,000 as the top student-athlete in the nation.
