DUDLEY, Mass. (Dec. 13) –Nichols College senior free safety Mike Rubalcaba has been selected to play in the 16th Annual Metrodome All American Bowl, it was announced recently. Rubalcaba will compete against college football players from across the country in the all-star game, set for Saturday, January 17th at Mall of America Field at HHH Metrodome, home of the Minnesota Vikings.

A captain in his senior season, Rubalcaba earned his second-straight appearance on the All-Worcester Area Team in 2011 after posting a career-high 72 tackles in his final campaign. He made a career-high 16 tackles (13 solo) at Plymouth State in October and made his seventh career interception against Endicott the following week. He was twice named to the NEFC Weekly Honor roll as a senior, including for an 11-tackle performance against Curry when he also recovered a fumble.

Defensive Line and Special Teams Coach Galen Holmes nominated Rubalcaba, saying, “Over the last four years, Mike has been a tireless worker who has done everything he could to help the team and himself succeed. He led us not only with his words, but also through his actions. Mike contributed to us defensively and was a key part of our special teams, too.”

“He and I started at Nichols at the same time and it has been a real pleasure for me to watch him grow both as a player and person over these last four years,” added Holmes. “Mike loves everything about football: practice, film, training and competing every week.  He is going to really miss playing and this honor gives him one more game in which to play the game he loves.”

In his career, Rubalcaba recorded 209 tackles (132 solo) including six for a loss in 39 career games. He caught seven interceptions, including a career-high three in 2009 and a 41-yard return for TD in 2010. Rubalcaba was a four-time NEFC Weekly Honor Roll selection throughout his career, including twice as a senior.

Head Coach Kevin Loney added, “The coaching staff and I are genuinely excited for Mike to be a part of the All-American Bowl.  He has been an amazing ambassador, a fantastic leader, and an outstanding player for Nichols football over the last four years.  He's been through a lot during his time here, and I'm glad that he will get to play one more game.”

Rubalcaba is the second Bison player to participate in the All America Bowl, following Bill Hassett who played in the 2010 Division II/III game at Laidley Field Stadium in Charleston, W.Va.

The All American Bowl was founded in 1996 to give athletes the opportunity to compete against the best at their level in an all star game setting. In April of 1996, the first All American Bowl was played in Minnesota and has since been played at various cities across the country including Atlanta, Miami and Las Vegas. The All American Bowl gives athletes the potential to be scouted by colleges and professional football teams. The participants in the All American Bowls have been nominated for their outstanding performances throughout their season, their accomplished career, love for the game, a chance to be noticed and a last chance to play the game they love.  


http://www.allamericanbowl.com/