Southeastern Louisiana University placed three student-athletes, including automatic selection and two-time honoree Tommy Connors, to the 2008 Capital One/Southland Conference Football All-Academic Team.

Joining Connors on the All-Academic squad were senior offensive lineman Brad Bardy and sophomore tight end Cole Wardell.

Bardy (6-0, 275), a 2004 St. Paul’s graduate, started all 12 games at center for the Lions this season.

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

He anchored a line that helped quarterback Brian Babin post career-high numbers in nearly every category.

SLU finished 2008 with a 5-7 record, going 2-5 in Southland Conference play.

Bardy earned his degree in Kinesiology in mid-December with a 3.44 grade point average.

When asked how he found out about the all-academic selection he said he received a phone call from his teammate Wardell, who was also recognized.

“Cole gave me a call and said I should check it out on the SLU Web site. I was surprised and happy at the same time seeing my name as a selection,” Bardy said.

“I think playing football helped me with scheduling. You only have so much time to study so you have to stay focused. You can’t worry about playing Nintendo games,” Bardy said.

Bardy is currently in Florida attending a physical therapy program at the University of St. Augustine, which is located just south of Jacksonville.

The All-Academic teams are voted on by the head coaches, sports information directors and academic/compliance administrators from each Southland Conference university.

Student-athletes must possess a 3.0 cumulative GPA, have completed one full academic year at the nominating institution and participated in at least 50 percent of the team’s competition to qualify for the all-academic squad.

Bardy is the son of Bob and Janice Bardy of Covington.