Nick Cunningham, a former three-sport athlete at Albert Lea, recently concluded his college career at the University of South Dakota with impressive honors both on and off the football field.

He was selected to the 2005-2006 Academic All-North Central Conference football team by the league’s sports information directors.

Cunningham, who has a 3.45 GPA in psychology, also received the Jeff Behrens Scholarship for academic and athletic achievement.

The award is a one year full scholarship given to a student-athlete from both the University of South Dakota and Augustana who is planning to pursue a career in medicine.

Cunningham graduated with honors last May and is planning to attend medical school for orthopedic medicine.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Jeffrey Behrens who was a team doctor to both of the schools and was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Cunningham has been the only recipient of the award since it’s inception five years ago.

Along with his impressive achievements in the classroom, Cunningham also performed at a high level on the football field.

He was recently named as an all-conference honorable mention recording 14 catches for 208 yards and four touchdowns during his senior year.

He was one of just three tight ends to make the all-conference team.