Campbellsville University wrestling named NAIA/NWCA All-Academic Team

Campbellsville University rose to the top of the NAIA off the mat this spring, being recognized by the NAIA and National Wrestling Coaches Association as the NWCA All-Academic NAIA Wrestling Team. Campbellsville compiled a team grade point average of 3.238 during the 2009-10 season, the highest of any NAIA wrestling team this year.

The academic honor comes on the heels of a season that included CU finishing seventh in the NWCA National Duals, win the inaugural Mid-South Conference Championship and bring home its second NAIA individual national champion, Tommy Pretty at 133 pounds. But for CU head coach Franky James, this may be the highest achievement of the season.

"This is a goal that we set for the program when we started six years ago. We have been close every year and we always want to be near the top of the standings," James said. "We're all so proud of the team for this accomplishment. I want to win more than anybody, but I want to win with young people that the university and community can be proud of. We push them to work in the classroom like they do in the practice room and it's nice to see the results of that. No question that this group has a very strong work ethic and this accomplishment is a direct result of that work ethic."

Over the past five seasons, Campbellsville has finished in the Top 5 for the NAIA/NWCA All-Academic Team each year. CU was second in 2007 with a GPA of 3.176, third in 2008 and 2009 and fourth in 2006. This year's GPA of 3.238 is the fourth highest of any NAIA program during that time.

"Congratulations to Coach James and the Tiger wrestlers. This shows their commitment to academic excellence is important. This is a great accomplishment for our student-athletes," said Rusty Hollingsworth, CU director of athletics.

The honor also brought praise from university President Dr. Michael V. Carter.

"I am very pleased with the commitment that we see displayed by our men's wrestling program to their academic areas of study. The discipline and hard work these young men are demonstrating is a testament to their character and to being successful for years to come," said Carter.

In addition to praise from the university administration, Kentucky legislators Sen. Jimmy Higdon (R-Lebanon) and Rep. John "Bam" Carney (R-Campbellsville) recognized James and the team on campus Thursday, April 8.

The team GPA is compiled by the combined GPA of a team's 12 national qualifier wrestlers and two other wrestlers. Those wrestlers, must maintain a 3.25 or better or be a NAIA All-Americans with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Individually, Campbellsville had five wrestlers reach the mark of a 3.25 GPA or better to be considered an All-Academic selection:

Name

Hometown

Year

Major

GPA

Josh Ashbrook

Harrison Co., Ky.

Education

3.935

Conor Young

Silver Creek, Ga.

Chemistry

3.933

DeCoreus Leavall

Christian Co., Ky.

Business

3.857

Matt David

Pullman, Wash.

Pre Med

3.774

Nick Waldrop

Oakley, Calif.

Business

3.5