Loras College senior offensive lineman Michael ‘Mooch' Donnelly was named to the 2012 Capital One Academic All-District 8 Football Team on Thursday. The Park Ridge, Illinois native is a double major in Secondary Education and Creative Writing (English). 

Donnelly, a two year starter on the line, qualified for the team with a GPA above 3.5 and has garnered additional attention with his off-field involvements. He spends time with the College Activities Board (CAB) and helps lead the charge with Loras' award-winning Dance Marathon program, which raises money for Iowa University Children's Hospitals. He has also spent time with Have Dreams program and Summit Square Assisted Living Facility – both in Park Ridge.

Donnelly was also nominated for the 2012 Allstate Good Works Team this season.

Later this semester, Donnelly will also qualify for his third consecutive All-Iowa Conference academic team.

 ‘Mooch' has been a part of a line that has blocked for freshman running back Nate Carrier. Carrier remains the top freshman running back in the country at 134 yards per game.

 "It makes me proud any time I can shed a good light on the Loras football program," Donnelly said Thursday.

"I've always thought the most precious thing you can give to others is your time, and that's why I've always tried to give my time and volunteered so much," he added.

His thesis for his Creative Writing major is centered on his football career, dating all the way back to his elementary school days.

Donnelly will student teach in nearby Galena, Illinois in the spring, and plans to teach high school English upon graduation.