Three Norse Named NWCA Scholar All-Americans
March 10, 2009
Three members of the Luther College wrestling team were named to the 2009 National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division III Scholar All-America Team.
To be eligible for this honor, an athlete must have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a scale of 4.0, for the previous full academic year prior to the national tournament. The nominee must have been in residence at his current institution for at least one full year.
Sophomore Jayson Swanson was a first time honoree, while junior Nic Barclay was presented this award for the second time in as many years. Senior Alec Bonander became the second Luther wrestler to earn this honor three times. All three wrestlers were national qualifiers.
Luther has had an outstanding tradition of academic excellence. With the addition of this year's awards, 38 Scholar All-America honors have been earned by Norse wrestlers, 30 since Head Dave Mitchell took over the program in 1996-97. A two-time academic All-American himself, coach Mitch stresses the importance of excellence both in the classroom and on the mat.
