Wrestlers Named to Academic Team

May 8, 2008

NORMAN, Okla. -- The National Wrestling Coaches Association announced two Sooner wrestlers on its annual Division I All-Academic All-American team for the 2007-08 season Thursday afternoon.

Seniors Joshua Weitzel and Max Dean picked up the honor for Oklahoma, one of 26 teams to have two or more wrestlers represented on the team. To be considered for the award wrestlers must have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA, been an NCAA qualifier or won 60 percent of his total schedule. Also, one can be honored for the All-Academic team if he has a 3.0 GPA and been an NCAA All-American.

"We couldn't be prouder of these two great kids," head coach Jack Spates said. "These two are true student-athletes who brought credit upon their school, their families and themselves."

Weitzel, who graduated last December with a B.S. in Education, ended the 2008 campaign at 184 pounds with a 26-5 overall record and a trip to the NCAA's. The Lincoln University, Pa., native ends his wrestler career as a three-time national qualifier with an 86-43 career record. After transferring from Michigan after his sophomore year, Weitzel became a two-time letterman for the Sooners and was twice named to the Big 12 All-Academic first team.

Dean is currently pursuing a Masters in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Finance at OU. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native transferred to Oklahoma from Indiana University last season and became an immediate starter in the Sooner lineup at 165 pounds, garnering a 19-10 record. Now a four-time academic All-American, Dean ends his wrestler career as a three-time NCAA qualifier with a career record of 97-58.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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