MINNEAPOLIS, December 11, 2003

Jostens will be presenting the Gagliardi Trophy to Saint John’s University (SJU) senior wide receiver Blake Elliott on the evening of December 22 at the Radisson South Hotel. Elliott has been named recipient of the 11th annual Gagliardi Trophy, given to the top football player in NCAA Division III, recognizing excellence in athletics, academics and community service.

Elliott, from Melrose, Minn., is a biochemistry major with a minor in environmental science. He has been named to the Dean's list twice, is a Dean's Scholarship recipient and a member of the biology club at SJU. He volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club of St. Cloud and at a local veterinary clinic. Elliott has also mentored students at Sartell Middle School and is an active member of his church.

Elliott recently reached a Division III record by completing catches in 45 straight games, and his 56 career touchdown catches rank him third all-time in the history of college football. He holds 19 SJU, MIAC and NCAA records, is second all-time in Division III football history in career receptions (316).

“Receiving the Gagliardi Trophy is amazing in itself, but to receive it the same year that Coach Gagliardi became the winningest coach in college history makes it even more special,” said Elliott.

“It’s an understatement to say that Blake is a valuable team player,” said John Gagliardi, head football coach at Saint John’s University. “And he is especially deserving of this award, as he puts the same passion that he has for football into his studies and volunteer work. In my 55 years of college coaching, Blake is one of the most impressive (individuals) I have coached.” Gagliardi also made college football history this year when he became the winningest college football coach ever when his team beat Bethel College on Nov. 8.

Elliott’s enthusiasm about receiving the Gagliardi Trophy the same year Gagliardi himself reached a career milestone will culminate on Dec. 22. Jostens will also be recognizing John Gagliardi by presenting him with a commemorative ring for his lifetime achievement. The ring was especially designed for Gagliardi, showcasing his winning record and his pride as a part of the Saint John’s University family. In addition, Peggy Gagliardi will be presented with a pendant as the winningest wife in college football history.

Event Information
Monday, Dec. 22, 2003 - 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Radisson South Hotel, Edina, Minn.
Photographs of the Gagliardi Trophy and the ring are available by calling media contacts above.

About the Gagliardi Trophy
The Gagliardi Trophy, sponsored by Jostens, Inc., and administered nationally by the SJU J-Club, recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service. Nominations are submitted by the presidents of the 215 participating NCAA Division III colleges. The Gagliardi Trophy winner is determined by a 30-member national selection committee, which includes college coaches, former athletes, college administrators, business leaders and members of the media.

The trophy features a sculpture of Gagliardi and a player in a classic one-on-one sideline consultation. The sculptures are hand cast in bronze and mounted on a polished wood base. Designed by Jostens, the trophy stands nearly two-feet tall and weighs 64 pounds.

About Jostens, Inc.
Jostens was established in 1897 and is one of Minnesota’s oldest companies. The company employs approximately 6,500 people, including 900 in Minnesota. Jostens manufactures and markets products that help people celebrate achievement, reward performance, recognize service and commemorate experience. Jostens has crafted more than 50 million rings for high schools, colleges, military academies and sports championships over the past century.