NORTHFIELD - Succeeding both on and off the collegiate football field has paid off for Carleton College senior Tim Mulso.
Mulso, an outside linebacker for the Knights, was one of five gridders for his team recently named to the 2011 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society.
Mulso was an athletic standout for Martin County West High School before making his mark the past four years on the Carleton gridiron.
"Two weeks ago, my mom sent me a text message with a link to it (information about the award). She found out (I'd won) before I did," said Mulso.
Mulso finished his collegiate football career with 188 tackles - 50 as a senior - placing him sixth on the team. Mulso also chalked up 68 stops as a junior, placing him second overall on the squad. Mulso also made a fourth-best 54 tackles as a sophomore. He made three career interceptions, including a 74-yarder returned for a touchdown last fall. He also forced one fumble and recovered another.
"It feels good to still be recognized for football once in a while," said Mulso.
"My entire sophomore season. Carleton went 7-3 and almost made the playoffs," Mulso reflected on what he considers his career collegiate highlight.
"And when we beat St. Olaf, our crosstown rivalrly, that was big, too," he added.
He also noted his interception return for a touchdown this season.
"My pick six - that was a good one, too. I missed (getting into) the end zone since I got moved to defense. It's definitely nice to get back (there)," he said.
According to www.footballfoundation.org, 671 football players across the country earned the honor.
There are three criteria all those who earn the honor must achieve.
First, one must be a starter or be a significant substitute in that player's final year of eligibility at an accredited NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III or an NAIA college university. Second, that person must achieve a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout their entire course of undergraduate study.
Three, that person must meet all NCAA-mandated progress toward degree requirements and graduation.
The NFF Hampshire Society was launched in 2007, via an endowment from Jon F. Hanson, the chairman and founder of The Hampshire Companies.
"Turning around Carleton's football reputation a bit," Mulso said on what will be a lasting college grid memory.
Mulso is a cinema and media studies major and will be graduating in June.
Neil Kolstad, a St. James High School graduate, also earned the honor for the Knights as a member of the defensive backfield.
