By: Theresa Boespflug
Weston Dressler, All-American and all-around student-athlete, is one of two Sioux players to bypass his red shirt season; the other is current Minnesota Vikings tight end Jim Kleinsasser. With 19 new records in the Fighting Sioux Football books set by Dressler, it will be hard for the next generation of football players to touch some of them.
During the games, setting records was not something Dressler thought about, “They are not just individual awards, those records are shared with the team,” Dressler said.
Dressler, a senior majoring in management, was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which is given to the best football student-athlete in the nation in Division II. The candidates are nominated by the sports information directors at their respective schools.
“It was a tremendous honor,” he said. Dressler credits the on-campus media, the websites, and just seeing everyone else excited about it, especially the coaching staff, for the recognition.
Dressler puts in just as much time studying as practice, and he currently has a 3.75 GPA. Dressler is a two time Academic All American recipient. “It’s easier to study during the football season because it’s a time management issue. If there is an hour of time I know I have to sit down to get my work done.”
He hopes to find another opportunity to play football, either in the CFL or the NFL, but is also focusing on his career goals. After graduation in May, he plans to attend graduate school and continue his studies in sports management.
Dressler is a member of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT) as a peer educator, and leads a group of students who educate student-athletes about responsible alcohol use. He is also a member of Sigma Iota Epsilon, a management honor society and professional fraternity that works to bridge the gap between management theory and management practices.
Not only has Dressler made an impression on the field and in the classroom, he also makes an impact within the Grand Forks community. He visits the local elementary schools as a volunteer to read to kids and talk with them about a wide array of topics. He also discussed the dangers of alcohol and drugs at Thompson Elementary. “I just try to be a good role model to the kids,” he said. Dressler volunteers with Special Olympics and the Big Event as well.
Many young kids in the community look up to Dressler, wearing his number and asking for his autograph. “It’s cool after the games to see kids that want me to sign something, or give high fives,” said Dressler.
Dressler’s parents are not only his role models, but have always been there to help him along the way and attended every game. He feels his biggest struggle during his college years has been getting home to see his parents and family in Bismarck, N.D.
Dressler recently cleaned out his locker, and will miss his teammates most. His favorite memories were made in the locker room. “It’s not just about the game, it’s hanging out with the guys and making friends,” he said.
The following are the academic and football awards Dressler received in his four years at UND:
2007:
- 2007 Academic All-America First Team
- 2007 Harlon Hill Trophy finalist
- 2007 All-NCC First Team (at three positions: wide receiver, return specialist and utility)
- 2007 NCC Most Valuable Receiver
- 2007 Draddy Trophy national semifinalist
- 2007 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America First Team
- 2007 Academic All-NCC team
- 2007 NCC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
2006:
- 2006 Harlon Hill Trophy candidate
- 2006 All-America First Team (AP, AFCA, Football Gazette, D2Football.com, Daktronics)
- 2006 All-Northwest Region First Team (AP, AFCA, Football Gazette, D2Football.com, Daktronics)
- 2006 All-NCC First Team (dual selection at wide receiver and return specialist)
- 2006 NCC Most Valuable Receiver
- 2006 UND Most Valuable Player
- 2006 UND Most Valuable Offensive Player
- 2006 UND Most Valuable Receiver
- 2006 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America First Team
- 2006 Academic All-NCC
- 2006 NCC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
- 2006 UND Dan Martinsen-Terry Kremeier Endowment recipient
2005:
- 2005 All-America First Team (Football Gazette)
- 2005 All-America Second Team (CollegeSportsReport.com)
- 2005 All-NCC First Team (return specialist)
- 2005 All-NCC honorable mention (receiver)
- 2005 UND Most Valuable Offensive Player
- 2005 Academic All-NCC team
- 2005 NCC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll
- 2005 UND Evan Lips Athletic Scholarship Award recipient
2004:
- 2004 All-America honorable mention (D2Football.com, Football Gazette)
- 2004 All-Northwest Region First Team (D2Football.com, Football Gazette)
- 2004 All-NCC First Team (return specialist)
- 2004 UND Rookie of the Year
- 2004 UND Most Valuable Special Teams Player
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