Jan. 17, 2001

Cira Named Third-Team Football All-America; Naeve Competes in Cactus Bowl

Senior defensive tackle Curt Cira (St. Louis/Vianney) has been named to the 2000 NCAA Division II Football Gazette All-American Football Team. Cira, a third-team pick on the all-America team, earned first-team all-Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association honors following a successful four-year career at Truman.

He led the defensive line with 53 total stops and had a team-high 12 tackles for losses in 2000. Cira was second on the team with four sacks for a combined loss of 14 yards, and tied for second in the MIAA with three forced fumbles.

He completed his career with 128 total tackles, 27 tackles for losses and 13 sacks. Cira was also an honorable mention all-MIAA choice as a junior.

In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Cira is a three-time member of the MIAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.

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Senior defensive back John Naeve (Camanche, Iowa) was selected to compete in the Division II all-star game, the Cactus Bowl, which took place on Friday in Kingsville, Texas.

As a member of the West team, Naeve charted three solo stops and an assist as the East and West teams battled to a 33-33 tie.

Naeve ended his career with 304 total tackles, 127 solo stops, 14 tackles for losses, three sacks, 16 pass breakups, four fumble recoveries and nine interceptions. He finished first among the defensive backs this past year with 55 total tackles, and was second on the team with six pass deflections.

Naeve was a first-team all-MIAA pick in 1999 and earned honorable mention all-conference status in 2000 and second-team honors in 1998. He is also a three-year member of the MIAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.

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