COSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT FOOTBALL TEAMS

DULUTH, Minn. (csssaints.com) – St. Scholastica junior running back Ben Buthe (New Prague, Minn./New Prague HS) and senior defensive back Rick Johnson (Wrenshall, Minn./Esko HS) have been named to the Academic All-District Football Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA); it was announced on Thursday.
 
Buthe and Johnson become the 13^th and 14^th CSS football players to be recognized by CoSIDA since 2011. This is the first year the Saints have had multiple all-district honorees since the 2014 season.
 
Buthe was a threat out of the backfield both as a runner and a receiver this past season. He rushed for 282 yards and six touchdowns, while also recording 28 receptions for 313 yards and two scores. He averaged 66.2 all-purpose yards per game during the year.
 
Johnson started all 10 games at the corner back position for the first time in his career. He tied for a team-high seven passes defended, including leading the team with six pass breakups. He also had an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery on the year.
 
Buthe and Johnson are now eligible for the Academic All-America Team ballot, where All-America honorees will be selected in December.
 
The Academic Teams, which are selected by CoSIDA, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom.
 
The teams are divided into eight geographic districts across the United States and Canada. The teams include NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III participants, while the College Division team combines NAIA, Canadian and two-year schools.
 
St. Scholastica is included in District 6 and includes NCAA Division III institutions from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.