MACOMB, Ill. - Four Western Illinois University student-athletes were named to the 2007 Gateway Football Conference Academic All-Conference Team, including running back Herb Donaldson and linebacker Travis Cherry who earned first-team honors. Defensive lineman Chad Groenhagen and defensive back/return specialist Tim Jackson earned spots on the honorable mention list.

Nominees must be starters or important reserves with at least a 3.00 grade point average. Student-athletes must have reached sophomore academic and athletic standing at their institutions and must have completed at least one full academic year at their institution. League sports information directors voted on the team by designating 11 players for first-team honors and 11 for second-team honors.

LB Travis Cherry, Carol Stream, Ill. (Glenbard North), 6-2, 235, Jr., 3.53, Kinesiology
Started all 11 games... ranked third on the team and 15th in the league in tackles (7.4 per game)... also appeared among the league's top 10 in sacks (3rd), tackles for loss (9th) and passes defended (7th)... had three games with double-digit tackles, including a career-high 12 against South Dakota State... career-high three tackles for loss (-21 yards) against Youngstown State... registered five total sacks (-36 yards) and 7.5 tackles for loss (-43 yards)... returned an interception 38 yards against Illinois State... broke up seven passes... 2005 Gateway All-Academic Team.

RB Herb Donaldson, St. Louis, Mo. (CBC), 5-11, 225, Jr., 3.19, Broadcasting
Led the league and ranked fifth nationally in rushing (149.10 ypg)... owns the highest single-game rushing total in FCS this season (314 yds. vs. MSU)... averaged 5.8 yards per carry... seven 100-yard games, four 100-yard halves and two 100-yard quarters... two 200-yard outings... two-time Gateway Player of the Week, national player of the week once... ranks among the top five in the school record book in six single-season categories and six career categories... the only junior elected as captain... 2006 Gateway All-Academic Team.

DL Chad Groenhagen, Oregon, Ill. (Oregon), 6-2, 275, Jr., 3.43, Agriculture
Registered 11 tackles in seven games... had 2.0 tackles for loss with a pair of sacks... earned one start... 2006 Gateway All-Academic Team.

DB/RS Tim Jackson, Bettendorf, Iowa (Bettendorf), 5-10, 185, So., 3.47, General Orientation
The Leathernecks' most reliable punt returner... fielded punts at a success rate of 99 percent... returned 13 punts for 108 yards... registered five tackles as a DB... was limited to seven games due to injury.