POCATELLO, Idaho- Dustin Tew got through the 2010 football season on practically no sleep as he worked 12 hour shifts in the emergency room at night once or twice a week during the fall.
“It was hard to function on minimal sleep,” Tew admitted.
Despite the hectic schedule in the classroom Tew still managed to be one of the defensive leaders on the field and in the classroom as he was named to the Big Sky All-Academic team for the third straight year.
Tew's academic success earned him the 2010 Babe Caccia Scholar-Athlete Award at the annual Southern Idaho chapter of the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame banquet that was held in Boise this past weekend.
Since 2002 and Idaho State football player and a Boise State player have been recognized for their academic performance in the classroom. The Boise State award is called the Lyle Smith Scholar-Athlete Award. Last year JD Ponciano was the recipient of the honor.
Being recognized for his academic performance meant a lot to the former Bengal.
“I was relieved to get the recognition outside of football,” Tew said. “A lot of players and coaches knew how hard I worked to maintain my goals I have in school.”
Tew is applying for medical school this summer and is willing to move anywhere to attend school. He is planning to take 14 credits this summer to minor in microbiology and is looking to work as a nurse this upcoming year.
Idaho State Babe Caccia Scholar-Athlete Award Winners
2002- Bart Brooks
2003- Josh Whitworth
2004- Jeff Davenport
2005- David Tongelei
2006- Brandon Mennear
2007- Jon Winn
2008- Brad Rife
2009- JD Ponciano
2010-
Dustin Tew
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