The NCAA announced the fall sport recipients for the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship program, a list that includes Augustana football student-athlete Matt Wager, who receives a $7,500 scholarship to apply toward the graduate degree program of his choice.
 
"I am honored to receive the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. It will help me pursue my passion in medicine, as I begin medical school in the fall," Wagner said. "I would like to thank the NCAA, Augustana University, my coaches and my professors for their support. I am glad that I am able to represent my school in a positive way."
 
A two-time Academic All-NSIC and all-conference selection from Sioux Falls, Wagner represents the 34th Augustana student-athlete in the school's history to earn a postgraduate scholarship, the ninth from the Vikings football team.
 
"We're thrilled that Matt was selected for this highly competitive scholarship," said Augustana Institutional Representative Marcia Entwistle. "Matt truly exemplifies what is means to be a student-athlete. We're proud of his many accomplishments while at Augustana, and wish him the best in medical school."
 
Head football coach Jerry Olszewski saw Wagner's skills on the field, and believes the work ethic that made him an all-conference performer also makes him an excellent choice for this honor.
 
"Augustana Football is so proud of Matt's many accomplishments, including the incredible honor of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, as he epitomizes what it means to be a Viking student-athlete," Olszewski said. "Matt experienced great success both as a starting linebacker for the Vikings and also represented AU with his academic success and a near perfect GPA.  Matt was also selected to present his research findings, conducted at AU, at several national health conferences of higher learning. There is no question in my mind that Matt will take the qualities he honed on the field at Augustana and be an incredible doctor, and in the process impact many lives in an incredibly positive way."
 
The NCAA awards Postgraduate Scholarships to student-athletes in their final year of college athletic eligibility, and awards up to 175 scholarships each year for use toward an accredited graduate program. Awardees get evaluated on their academic and athletic achievement, campus involvement, community service, volunteer activities and demonstrated leadership. The program rewards college athletes whose dedication and effort reflect the characteristics needed to succeed in graduate study.
 
The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee, which includes faculty athletics representatives, athletics administrators and a conference commissioner, chooses the awardees.
 
"These scholarships are one of the ways the NCAA provides a pathway to opportunity for student-athletes," said Mattie White, chair of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee and senior associate athletics director at Indiana. "These scholarships are reserved for student-athletes with distinguished college careers highlighted by outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, community service and leadership. These experiences prepare them for success in graduate study and life."
 
For information on past winners, award criteria, and the nomination process and deadlines, visit ncaa.org/scholarshipsandgrants