Garcia Crowned NCAA Statistical Champion
ONEONTA, NY – Hartwick sophomore wide receiver
Brad Garcia (Warwick, NY/Warwick Valley) finished the 2015 season as an NCAA Division III Statistical Champion in the category of reception yards per game. Garcia's average of 138.2 yards per game was nearly five yards more than the second-ranked player in the country.
The honor marks the first Hartwick statistical champion since the 2008 season when quarterback Jason Boltus and wide receiver Jack Phelan both earned the distinction. Boltus led the country in total offense (415.50), passing yards per game (393.4), and points responsible for, and Phelan was tops in Division III in reception yards (1,533) and reception yards per game (153.30).
Garcia played in all 10 games for the Hawks, making 77 receptions for 1,382 yards. He made 14 touchdown receptions. In addition to finishing first in the nation in yards per receptions, Garcia also ranked fourth in reception yards, eleventh in receptions per game (7.7), and fourteenth in receiving touchdowns.
An Empire 8 and ECAC North First Team All-Star and D3football.com All-East Region Second Team pick, Garcia also led the Hawks in scoring (90 points) and all-purpose yards (1,398). He made at least eight catches in six of 10 games, registered at least 135 reception yards in seven contests, and made at least one touchdown catch in eight games.
Garcia recorded season-highs of 245 receiving yards and four touchdowns in Hartwick's victory over Western Connecticut State on September 5. He made a season-best 13 catches in the Hawks' win in the season finale over Utica on November 14.