MINNEAPOLIS, MN - April 7, 2015 - The Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation is excited to announce the 2015 Scholar Athlete award winners. The nine scholar-athletes reside in communities across the state of Minnesota and will be recognized at the 8th Annual Minnesota Football Honors on May 3, 2015 at the Hilton Minneapolis. This year's winners were chosen for their academic excellence, displays of outstanding leadership, and commitment to their communities.

Gunnar Grimsrud started for Rochester Mayo High School’s varsity squad for three seasons, including two years of starting on both sides of the ball. He helped the Spartans reach their section championship game three years in a row, and was named to the 2014 Minnesota Vikings and AP All-State Teams. Grimsrud made 94 tackles as a senior linebacker and captain on his way to Big 9 Defensive Player of the Year recognition. He also ran track and played baseball for Mayo.

An academic all-conference selection, Grimsrud brings the same work ethic to the classroom as on the gridiron. He was accepted to South Dakota State, where he plans to join the football team this fall and major in biology/pre-medicine.

Grimsrud has also devoted time to mission trips and volunteering opportunities through the Salvation Army, food shelf and vacation Bible school. Gunnar’s parents are Dana and Koni.

Eight other young men will receive recognition as outstanding high school Scholar-Athletes. All of the athletes were nominated by their football coaches and were evaluated on their academic achievement, football ability, performance, leadership, attitude, and service to their community. Other 2015 honorees are Trey Anderson (White Bear Lake Area High School), Tommy Auger (St. Cloud Cathedral High School), Ben Ellefson (Hawley High School), Ismael Kamara (Harding High School), Taylor Otterstatter (Mayer Lutheran High School), Ben Shoults (Maple Grove High School), John Solberg (Cambridge-Isanti High School), and Mitchell Stangel (Crosby-Ironton High School).

The 8th Annual Minnesota Football Honors, presented by the Minnesota Vikings, will take place Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Hilton Minneapolis. College and professional football Hall of Fame inductees are scheduled to attend the event, and WCCO-TV news personality Frank Vascellaro will return for his eighth year as Master of Ceremonies. The event is open to the public. To register or for additional information about this year’s Minnesota Football Honors, please visit www.minnesotafootballhonors.com. For sponsorship information, please email lindsay@nffmn.org.