Manheim, Pennsylvania - The New Mexico Highlands wrestling program posted the eighth-best team grade point average in NCAA Division II and earned the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Team Scholar All-America Award.
Earlier this month, four Cowboys -
Ivan Smith,
Reed McCarty,
Sebastian Freeman, and
Phil Chobot - were named NWCA NCAA Division II Men's Scholar All-Americans.
"A foundation of our wrestling program lies in the ideal of 'practicing excellence everywhere.' Sports provide a unique platform to put that virtue into practice," said Cowboy head coach
Chris Freije. "Our program is on the rise, and this recognition reflects that. Finishing in the top eight in the country academically is a significant milestone for our team."
He continued, "New Mexico Highlands is truly one of, if not the most, supportive institutions I have coached at. We are grateful for the faculty and staff, all the way up to our president, who are visible on campus and in the community and genuinely care about the well-being and development of our student-athletes. That support helps create a family atmosphere across campus and throughout Las Vegas for these young men and women. It truly takes a village: administration, faculty, staff, parents, coaches, and student-athletes. This achievement is a reflection of that collective support."
To earn Scholar All-America status, student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, or qualify for the NCAA Championships while holding at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA.
Full NWCA Team Award release
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