St. Thomas senior wide receiver Fritz Waldvogel was one of four finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, the award given to the most outstanding all-around student-athlete in Division III football, but it was a different wide receiver who brought home the hardware.

Senior Michael Zweifel from Dubuque, accepted the award Wednesday night in Salem, Va. Zweifel broke the Division III record for career receptions this season, and he led all receivers in the nation with 12.7 receptions and 178 yards per game. Zweifel’s strong play helped lead Dubuque to its first Iowa Conference title in 31 years.

“It was a great experience,” Waldvogel said. “I got to spend a lot of time with Michael (Zweifel) and Alex (Tanney) who are just great people. The nomination is an honor. It wouldn’t have been possible without my awesome teammates and coaches.”

Waldvogel’s 50-game career has been one for the record books. He set school marks this season in receptions (300) and touchdowns (46). He was also named the MIAC Player of the Year twice and is a 2009 consensus All-American. This season, Waldvogel led the Tommies in all-purpose yards (2,032) and receiving yards (1,238) and was voted to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-America team.

Though Waldvogel was happy just to be honored, senior running back Colin Tobin was “a little surprised” about the outcome.

“I thought he had a good shot at it,” Tobin said. “I think even though he didn’t win the award, he’s still an outstanding young man and a great friend.”

The other two finalists were University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior quarterback Matt Blanchard and Monmouth senior quarterback Alex Tanney, two players Waldvogel faced in the playoffs this season.