Rob Sturgis, of Holden and teammate Long Ding of Qing Dao, China were named to the New England Football Writers’ Association’s Division II/III All-New England squad.

HOLDEN, Mass. — Former Wachusett Mountaineer and Norwich University senior Rob Sturgis has been earning a series of accolades for his work on the football field.

In addition to taking the title of ECFC Offensive Lineman of the Year, the Holden native was one of two members of the record-setting 2011 football team recently named to the New England Football Writers’ Association’s Division II/III All-New England squad.

Together, senior center Sturgis and teammate Long Ding of Qing Dao, China represented Norwich — two of five Eastern Collegiate Football Conference players recognized.

As starting center, Sturgis anchors an offensive line that blocks for a rushing offense ranking No. 6 in Division III, and leads ECFC in yards per game. Sturgis leads a front line unit that has surrendered only four sacks in 10 games ranking second in Division III for fewest allowed.

Additionally, Sturgis was named DIII All-East Region, Second Team Offense, essentially putting him among one of the top eight centers in the country.