Worcester, MA --- WPI men's soccer midfielder Ben Gilde has been named to the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America first team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (Co-SIDA).  He is the seventh WPI student-athlete that has received first team accolades, and the first since both Jarrod Alston (men's soccer) and Michael Pockoski (men's track and field) received the honor in 1999.

Gilde was named to the second team a year ago as a junior and to the third team in 2006 as a sophomore, making him the only College Division player this fall to be All-America three straight seasons. The College Division is comprised of NCAA Division II and III, NAIA and junior college programs. Penn State's Ryan Badaracco was the only three-time selection in the University Division (D-I).

Gilde currently sports a 3.92 GPA, majoring in actuarial mathematics and with a minor in management and entrepreneurship. The Manchester, NH native was one of four from WPI named to the NEWMAC Men's Soccer All-Academic Team, joining teammates Rens Hayes, Paul Moan and Keeon Tabrizi. Gilde received this accolade for the third consecutive year as well.

During each of his first three years at WPI, Gilde was honored with a major award at the annual athletics banquet.  He was awarded the Poly Club Award as the junior male athlete, the Leo S. Jansson Award as a sophomore who best exemplifies the high standards expressed in "The WPI Athlete," and the Charles R. McNulty freshman award.  Gilde also earned the Charles O. Thompson scholarship for outstanding academic success at WPI as a freshman.

In addition to his impressive academic achievements, Gilde led the Engineers on the field as well, leading WPI in scoring for the third straight season.  He tallied a team-best six goals and added a pair of assists en route to amassing 14 points during the 2008 season, leading to his third straight selection to the all-NEWMAC team.

Gilde is the son of Walter and Helen Gilde. He played scholastically for head coach Chris Leberge at Manchester Central while being home schooled. He spent C term of 2008 in Melbourne, Australia on his IQP project working with the Zoos Victoria to help develop an education program for special needs students visiting the zoo.

WPI finished the season 8-8-1 led by Head Coach Malcolm MacPherson, who is in his 17th year piloting the Engineers.

Story contribution by Ray Cotrufo - WPI Athletics Department

College Sports Information Directors of America (Co-SIDA) release