Mat trio honored

May 09, 2008 08:34 am

— The National Wrestling Coaches Association announced its annual Division I All-Academic Top 30 and Individual All-Academic wrestling teams for the 2007-08 season on Thursday.
Duke and American led the field with a 3.335 team GPA. It was DU’s second straight season at the top of the list.
For teams to be eligible for consideration, teams comprise 12 student athletes, including the 10 wrestlers that were the entries in the NCAA tournament conference qualifiers. If teams had less than 10 entries for their respective qualifier, they may fill those spots with wrestlers that competed in at least one varsity dual during the season.
Individually, wrestlers must have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA, been an NCAA qualifier or won 60 percent of his total schedule — and must have competed in at least 60 percent of said schedule. The other way to qualify for the All-Academic team is have a 3.0 cumulative and been an NCAA All-American.
Last season, 57 wrestlers were named to the All-Academic team. This year, that number increased 35 percent to 88 total wrestlers.
The 2007-08 All-Academic team was highlighted by 27 Division I All-Americans and three national champions — Brent Metcalf of Iowa (149), Jordan Leen of Cornell (157) and Mike Pucillo of Ohio State (184).
Oklahoma State checked in at No. 28 with a 2.904 GPA. Brandon Mason (3.64 in biology/pre-med), Newly McSpadden (3.63 in applied sociology) and Nathan Morgan (3.32 in civil engineering) were among those honored.