Clum named to the AFCA's 2004 Aztec Bowl Squad

NEW CONCORD, OHIO, December 11 , 2004 - Muskingum College defensive lineman Brandon Clum has been selected to play for the American Football Coaches Association's Division III all-star team that will represent the United States against the Mexican National Team in the 2004 Aztec Bowl on December 11 in Cancun, Mexico.

Clum, a senior from New Philadelphia, Ohio, was a first team All-Ohio Athletic Conference selection for the Muskies this season. He led Muskingum in tackles for loss (17.5-56 yards), sacks (7-39 yards) and blocked kicks (3), while finishing second on the team in tackles with 85.

"We are really excited about Brandon’s selection to the Aztec Bowl roster," said Muskingum Head Coach Jeff Heacock. "This is a great honor not only for him, but for Muskingum College and the football program as well. Brandon had a tremendous senior season and is very deserving of this recognition. I'm very confident he will represent our football program and Muskingum College in a tremendous fashion."

Clum is one of 42 NCAA Division III seniors from around the country who will make up this year's team. This marks the second time a Muskingum player has been selected to play in the Aztec Bowl (Jim Kornokovich - 2000).

In the game, Clum recorded five tackles and one sack for 17 yards, while also forcing one fumble in the United States 23-3 win.

The Aztec Bowl is the traditional season-ending game for Mexico's college football season. The game has been played 33 times since 1947 with the last seven contests featuring the United States-Mexico match-up. The United States is 6-1 in the series.

Aztec Bowl Alumni: Two former Team USA members, London Fletcher and Clint Kriewaldt, are currently playing in the National Football League. Fletcher, who played collegiately at John Carroll and was a member of the 1997 U.S. team, is a linebacker with the Buffalo Bills. Kriewaldt was the Detroit Lions' 1999 fifth-round draft pick out of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and played in the 1998 Aztec Bowl. He is currently a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 10,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession" and to "provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football."