Gardner-Webb Finishes Third Nationally In NWCA Academic Rankings
May 07, 2014 | Wrestling
Standout grappler Austin Trott was recognized individually as well, earning a spot on the NWCA's Individual All-Academic Team.
The Runnin' Bulldogs improved from 29th to third in the team standings this season, posting a 3.3167 cumulative grade point average.
The team's grade point average is determined using a system that includes 12 student-athletes from each program. A total of 10 spots were made up of wrestlers who participated in the conference tournament or NCAA qualifier event. If teams had less than 10 entires for their qualifier, they were allowed to fill spots with wrestlers who competed in at least one varsity dual during the 2013-2014 season.
Harvard took top honors from the NWCA for the second year in a row with a 3.3657 team GPA.
"This is huge for our program," said head coach Daniel Elliott. "It is proof that our young men have followed through on their commitment academically and is a tremendous honor. The team's hard work extends beyond the mat and into the classroom, and our focus on each of those areas is very important. I am very proud of our guys.
"Congratulations to Austin Trott for his individual honor as well. Carrying a 3.2 grade point average and qualifying for nationals at the Division I level is impressive."
Trott (Kingsland, Ga. / Camden County HS) posted a solid 3.2887 grade point average to earn his spot on the NWCA Individual All-Academic Team.
The redshirt freshman is majoring in accounting, and qualified for the NCAA Division I championships this season in his first full campaign on the collegiate mats. Trott finished with an impressive 29-9 dual record and was ranked nationally for much of the 2013-2014 season at 165 pounds.
Head coach Daniel Elliott, a former Gardner-Webb wrestler and two-time NCAA Division I qualifier, recently completed his second full season in charge of the program.
NWCA
All-Academic Team Rankings (Top 10)
1.
Harvard
2.
Old Dominion
3.
Gardner-Webb
4.
Appalachian State
4.
Brown
6.
Duke
7.
Bucknell
8.
Stanford
9.
American
10.
Penn State
