Academic All-American Newcomb signs

with Washington University in St. Louis

The National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) announced its High School Academic All-Americans selections for the 2012-2013 school year on Wednesday. Waynesville High School’s Dylan Newcomb was selected as an Academic All-American along with 139 other high school athletes from 32 states and eight different sports. Newcomb is among three student-athletes selected from Missouri.

“This year’s Academic All-Americans are the epitome of what a student-athlete is,” Bobby Ferraro, NHSCA's executive director, said. “Not only do they excel on the playing field, mat, court or track but they also excel in the classroom. These student athletes are leaders in and out of the classroom and are the future leaders of tomorrow. We are proud to deem them Academic All-Americans.”

Newcomb, a Missouri Class 5 Football 1st Team All-State selection in 2011 and 2012, excelled in the sports of football, baseball and basketball throughout high school as well as in the classroom. He is currently ranked No. 1 in the class of 402 Waynesville seniors with a 4.1 GPA, scored a 30 on his ACT, and will graduate as a Valedictorian. He is also currently serving as the WHS Student Government vice president. He was recently honored as the National Football Foundation St. Louis Chapter’s Most Valuable Scholar Athlete and earlier in the year was selected as a finalist for Missouri in the Wendy’s High School Heisman competition. Among his many awards as a high school athlete, he earned seven selections as an Academic All-State Team member in three sports.

On Monday Newcomb ended his search for the right university by announcing his commitment to attend and play football at Washington University in St. Louis this fall. He selected Washington University over offers to play football at the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon and the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

“I first learned of Washington University at a football camp in East St. Louis during my sophomore year,” Newcomb said. “From my initial visit to Wash U, I knew it was the perfect fit for me academically and athletically. Wash U is one of the most prestigious Ivy League-caliber schools in the country and I am proud to be attending the university and joining the football program.”

Making the transition from high school to college is always challenging, but Newcomb already has his plan in mind.

“I'm going to continue studying hard while balancing my academics with football,” Newcomb said. “I really want to take advantage of every opportunity the Wash-U experience offers and see where that takes me in life.”

As far as playing football, the 6-foot-1, 194-pound Newcomb says he is ready. “I know I will have to compete at the next level and I am up for the challenge. I am working out in a great strength and conditioning program that will have me ready for football season in a few short months.”

As a three-sport athlete, “I feel I bring a lot of athleticism to my position,” he said. “I know that I will be tested in the classroom and on the playing field and I believe I can succeed in both at Wash U.”

On Monday, in front of the brass tiger statue in Waynesville High School's foyer, Newcomb said, “I'll miss this place. It's where I grew up, but it's time to move on to the next challenge.”

“I am thankful for all of the support and encouragement that my family has given me,” Newcomb said. “I will never forget my friends, teachers and coaches who have taught me so much. I have a lot of great memories of high school and I will always be proud to be a Waynesville Tiger.”

CUTLINE:

Academic All-American Dylan Newcomb, center, signs to play football at Washington University with his parents, Lidia and Dorsey Newcomb, at his sides. Standing in the back row are his grandmother Vidalina Sanchez, sister Lynette Newcomb and aunt Lynette Ross.