Sports Illustrated, the Telegram & Gazette, and others joined in recognizing Worcester Academy's David Ball '03, star wide receiver for UNH, as he caught his 51st career touchdown to break the Division 1-AA record held by Jerry Rice.

The catch, made Saturday in New Hampshire's victory against Richmond  (27 – 17) ended weeks of speculation about when, rather than whether Ball would break the 20-year-old record.

The only question now is just what other records he may break by the end of the football season.

"David Ball is an outstanding athlete who possesses a superior work ethic," said WA's Head Varsity Football Coach John Aloisi, following the record-breaking catch. "This combination of skills has resulted in some very impressive accomplishments. In just one year, he certainly made his mark on the WA Football Program."

Mark McKelvey, David Ball's faculty advisor while at the Academy, noted that Ball joined the UNH football team as a walk-on. At the time, few believed he had what it took to be a quality player in that division.

"David's success in athletics is, to many, meaningful and inspirational because it hits closer to home and does not involve a professional athlete," said Mr. McKelvey.  "His success in college football should inspire all of us to clearly define our dreams, chart courses of action, and chase them with the doggedness that David Ball has demonstrated."

Ball, a receiver on the Wildcat's football team, evolved from an unknown high school senior into a college superstar and legitimate NFL draft prospect. He has frequently credited his postgraduate year at Worcester Academy as having given him the skills and advantage he needed to catch the attention of UNH.

Today, Ball is the number one reason that the University of New Hampshire is the top-ranked team in Division 1-AA with a shot, for the first time, at a national title.

Ball, who played football and basketball and ran track at Worcester Academy, received WA's Harold W. Presson Trophy in 2003.  The Trophy is given to the best all-around male and female athletes by vote of the Academy coaches.