Release written by Dominic Pfisterer
IRVING, Texas - The National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame announced the members of the 2019 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers, on April 10. An all-time high of 1,643 players from a record 424 schools qualified for membership in the society's 13th year.
Nominated by their respective schools, members of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society must have: Completed their final year of playing eligibility in 2018, achieved a 3.2 cumulative grade point average, met all NCAA or NAIA-mandated progress toward degree requirements and have been starters or significant contributors throughout the 2018 season.
The Ithaca College football program was well represented on the list of newly-added NFF members. Five players from the 2018 football team were selected as NFF Hampshire Honor Society members. Jake Bernstein, Tyler Kishbaugh, Brian Pacholec, Bobby Puckey and Ralf Silva all qualified to be part of the honor society.
Bernstein, a three-year starter for the Bombers on the offensive line, was named captain for the 2018 season. He was selected as First-Team All-Liberty League as well as making it on the Liberty League All-Academic Team.
Kishbaugh earned Liberty League Honorable Mention honors this past season, starting for the Bombers as a defensive back. Kishbaugh's work in the classroom landed him on the Liberty League All-Academic Team as well.
Pacholec led the defensive line for the Bombers this past season. His 6.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks this year landed him First-Team Liberty League All-Conference. Pacholec was also named to the Liberty League All-Academic Team.
Puckey was named First-Team Liberty League All-Conference in 2018. He assisted Bernstein in leading the Bombers' offensive line. Puckey was named CoSIDA Academic All-District as well as Liberty League All-Academic Team.
Silva teamed up with Kishbaugh in the Bombers' secondary during the 2018 campaign. His 45 tackles on the season were good enough to land him Second-Team Liberty League All-Conference honors. Silva is a two-time Liberty League All-Academic Team member, earning the honor after the 2017 and 2018 seasons.