Justin Lima Named to ESPN All-Academic Team

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State College junior offensive tackle Justin Lima has been selected to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District One College Division Football Second Team in voting conducted by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). 

Lima, who majors in Criminal Justice, was one of 13 representatives from the New England Football Conference (NEFC) voted to the regional team, and the only representative from the six Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) football teams. He presently carries an impressive 3.67 grade point average as he has been a Dean's List student in each of her first four semesters at Bridgewater State.

A native of Mashpee, Massachusetts, Lima has started all nine games from his right tackles position for the Bears this season and each of the last 19 games dating back to last season.  As a team, the Bears are currently ranked second in the NEFC in rushing (285.9 ypg) and third in total offense (416.8 ypg).  BSC is also in the national rankings for all of Division III as the Bears are eighth in rushing, 36th in total offense and tied for 31st in sacks allowed per game (1.22).

Lima was selected to the All-NEFC Bogan Division Team for the second straight season as he took home second team honors along with fellow lineman, Joseph Morency (West Falmouth, MA).

As a team, the Bears wrapped up the 2007 regular season with a record of 6-3.  BSC will be making the program's third straight appearance in an ECAC Bowl game as the Bears travel to Plymouth State on Saturday to take on the Panther in the North Atlantic Bowl.

Founded by CoSIDA in 1952, the Academic All-America and All-District Teams program recognizes and awards our nation's premier college scholar-athletes for their ability to achieve excellence on the playing field and in the classroom.