Nathan Scheelhaase

Classroom

Scheelhaase has a 3.38 GPA on a 4.0 scale. A three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2010-12). 2012 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, he completed his bachelor’s degree in 3.5 years and is on track to graduate with his master’s degree in recreation, sport and tourism in December 2013.

Character

Scheelhaase is an extremely high-character individual who is an exceptional leader. He was named a team captain as a sophomore in 2011 and was the first player head coach Tim Beckman met with when he was hired in December 2011. He has shown great work ethic in learning four different offenses in his five years because of coaching changes.

Community

Scheelhaase participated in Garden Hills Elementary School Student of the Month Lunch, hosted students from Mahomet (Ill.) Lincoln Trail Elementary School for a campus tour, speaker at Edison Middle School AVID Program, visited Gerber School at Cunningham Children’s Home, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Pen Pal program with student in a Chicago elementary school, visited Stratton Elementary School, speaker for Upward Basketball end-of-season ceremony, Big Brothers Big Sisters holiday party, Helped host Challenger League (kids with disabilities) during its visit to a spring practice two different years, Participated in a Halloween event for kids prior to a women’s volleyball match, visited the prison in Danville (Ill.), participated in Star Expo event, participated in the Decatur Illini Club’s annual corn roast. Active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Stone Creek Church.

Competition

Scheelhaase is one of two Big Ten quarterbacks to start and lead his team to bowl victories in his freshman and sophomore seasons, beating Baylor in 2010 Texas Bowl & UCLA in 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. He has 36 career starts, third-most by a QB in the country. Named a 2010 Phil Steele Freshman All-American he is ranked in top 10 in UI history in career passing & rushing yards, passing TDs, passing efficiency, completions and attempts. He broke Illinois’ freshman record for passing yards, rushing yards, passing efficiency and TD passes in 2010. Career stats: 488-801 passing (60.9 percent), 5,296 yards, 34 TDs, 24 INTs. 501 rushes for 1,795 yards, 15 TDs.