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NIU wrestlers make the grade

May 20, 2011

The Northern Illinois wrestling program continues to earn recognition for its excellence in the classroom as NIU was named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s (NWCA) annual Division I All-Academic Top 30 Team for the sixth straight year.

“I’m proud of the way our team takes a competitive attitude to the classroom,” NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig said. “We strive for success in the academic realm and it’s an honor to be recognized by the NWCA. These student-athletes manage a heavy workload and this recognition is a tribute to their work ethic.”

Huskies wrestling team

The Huskies posted a team grade point average of 3.0023 and rank 21st in the nation, improving on last year’s mark of 2.98 which ranked 22nd.

Northern Illinois has placed in the top 25 in each of the last six years with its highest finish, 10th, coming in 2007-08. The 2008-09 squad ranked 11th in the country while the 2005-06 and 2006-07 teams each finished 16th.

The team GPA is comprised of 12 student athletes, including the 10 wrestlers that were the entries in the NCAA tournament conference qualifier. If teams had fewer 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.

“Being able to recognize our coaches and their teams for the accomplishments that they have made academically is always a high point at the end of the season for our staff,” said Mike Moyer, NWCA executive director. “All of the athletes that have made this year’s team are setting themselves up for success once they leave college, they are becoming leaders of the future.”

For more information on NIU wrestling and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.