IUP senior offensive lineman Rory Thomas has been selected to play in the Division II all-star game, the Valero Cactus Bowl, on January 11 in Kingsville, Texas.

The selection committee chose Thomas among a nominated group of the best seniors in Division II football.  The all-star game has been in existence since 1994, first as the Snow Bowl in Fargo, N.D., and then the Cactus Bowl when it moved to Kingsville in 2001.

The game will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Thomas (Beaver Falls/Beaver Falls) has proved to be one of the most versatile offensive linemen in IUP history.  He started the 2007 season at center but also started several games at left tackle late in the year.  Thomas also lined up at guard in his career. 

This season, Thomas was a vital cog for an offense that permitted only 15 sacks while helping IUP post offensive numbers of 38.5 points and 402.5 yards of total offense per game.

IUP’s scoring average was the second highest in the PSAC as well as the second best single season mark in school history.  The Crimson Hawks also ranked second in the conference in passing offense at 259.2 yards per game, with Andrew Krewatch setting an IUP season record with 3,100 passing yards.

Thomas started all 32 games during the 2004, 2005 and 2007 seasons and reshirted in 2005.  During that time, he helped IUP put up a record of 24-8, a pair of PSAC West co-championships and a trip to the NCAA playoffs this season, with IUP advancing to the second round.

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