four cciw football players named d3football.com all-americans

NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) was represented by four student-athletes on the 2007 D3Football.com All-America Team Monday.

Wheaton defensive back Pete Ittersagen was the conference's only first team member while tight end Bryan Bergman of Carthage earned second team honors. Ittersagen was a member of the second team as a return specialist. North Central offensive guard Don Kasper made the third team and Illinois Wesleyan defensive back Bo Osburn was an honorable mention selection.

Bergman caught 37 passes for 421 yards and two touchdowns with a long of 43 yards this season, earning first team all-conference honors for his efforts. Bergman, along with Ittersagen, was also a member of the 2007 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III Coaches' All-America Team.

Ittersagen was Wheaton's starting cornerback and return specialist, earning the 2007 Don Larson Defensive Player of the Year in the CCIW this season. He led the Thunder with 72 tackles, had three interceptions and 18 pass break-ups. As a punt returner, Ittersagen had 28 returns for 404 yards for an average of 14.4 yards per return.

Kasper earned first team all-conference honors this past season in helping lead North Central to a share of its second straight conference title. Additionally, Kasper took part in the 2007 Aztec Bowl on Dec. 8 in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Osburn, a first team all-conference selection, had 66 tackles, including 44 solo, in leading Illinois Wesleyan to a CCIW co-title this season. He also tallied an interception, a fumble recovery, and six tackles for losses totaling -23 yards.

D3Football.com is a website devoted strictly to the coverage of NCAA Division III football. To see the entire D3Football.com All-America Team, visit www.d3football.com.