Nov. 19, 2004

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Senior defensive end Kyle Budinscak was recently named a CoSIDA first-team Academic All-District V selection, advancing him to the national ballot for Academic All-America accolades announced December 1.

A native of Bridgewater, N.J., Budinscak is a four-time academic all-district first-team honoree. He has started all 10 games this season at defensive end for the Irish and currently has 18 tackles, including two quarterback sacks, 3.5 tackles for losses, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He is a vital member of the Irish defense, which ranks seventh in the nation in rushing defense (95.5 yards allowed per game).

Budinscak graduated in May 2004, from the Mendoza College of Business with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He finished his undergraduate degree with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.591 and is currently enrolled as a non-degree seeking graduate student at the University. He has been on the Dean’s List six semesters during his career and has been a three-time State Farm/Westwood One Student-Athlete of the Game. Budinscak is also active in the community participating in the Boys and Girls Club of South Bend and the Tackle The Arts program. He was named the 2003 Westwood One/State Farm Student-Athlete of the Year and has been selected to the Rosenthal Leadership Group at Notre Dame.