Beyer Among 12 Finalists for Wuerffel Trophy
11/11/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan defensive end Brennen Beyer is one of 12 finalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, it was announced Tuesday (Nov. 11). The Wuerffel Trophy is presented each year to the FBS student-athlete who best exhibits exemplary community service.
Beyer has recorded 32 tackles, including 6.5 for loss with 5.5 sacks, and two quarterback hurries this season. His sack total, a single-season career high, leads the team and is tied for 10th in the Big Ten. The Canton, Mich., native has registered 89 tackles, including 11.0 for loss with 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and one pass breakup while appearing in 47 games with 30 starts in his career. Beyer, who is majoring in psychology, is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and claimed the 2013 U-M Athletic Academic Achievement Award for his work in the classroom.
Beyer has been an active member of Athletes in Action since joining the organization in October of 2012. He has taken three mission trips as a member of AIA: two to Los Angeles and one to Puerto Rico. In California, Beyer participated in Athlete in Action's Urban Project, where college athletes from across the country serve in parts of Los Angeles where poverty and gang activity are common occurrences. Between all three trips, Beyer's volunteer acts have ranged from helping renovate playgrounds and playing basketball and volleyball with inner-city children to wrapping Christmas presents and singing karaoke with the homeless. As an active member of AIA, Beyer regularly participates in outreach groups and meets with other college students to talk about the gospel and their respective sports.
In addition to his work with Athletes in Action, Beyer has volunteered at the Bryant Community Center, where he helped children with their homework and organized after-school games. Beyer is also a frequent visitor to CS Mott Children's Hospital throughout the school year, and this summer he and teammate Anthony Capatina coached a fourth-grade team in the Michigan Youth Flag Football League in his hometown of Canton.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Wuerffel Trophy, named after former Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel who has received national recognition for his humanitarian and community service efforts with Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans and around the country.
The winner will be decided by a committee that includes the Wuerffel Trophy national directors, selection committee members and past winners. This year's winner will be announced Dec. 9 and will be presented the trophy Feb. 13, 2015, at the All Sports Association's 46th Annual Awards Banquet in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Communications Contact: Derek Satterfield (734) 647-1192
