Wrestlers Honored For Classroom Success

March 2, 2010

NORMAN, Okla. – Five University of Oklahoma wrestlers were named to the 2010 Academic All-Big 12 team, the league office announced Tuesday. Honored with the selection were seniors Chad Terry, Kyle Terry and Shane Vernon, along with juniors Jeff James and Nathan Fernandez.

The Sooners' five selections, including four starters, led the conference. A total of 16 student-athletes from around the Big 12 comprised the list.

The five Sooner wrestlers combined to win 95 total matches this season. Kyle Terry, boasting a 24-2 record, is ranked No. 3 in the country at 149 pounds. Also ranked among the nation's best is No. 12 Vernon at 157 pounds, No. 17 James at 174 pounds and No. 14 Fernandez competing at heavyweight.

Nominated by each institution's director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the wrestling academic all-league squad consisted of 14 first team members combined with two on the second team. First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, and the second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of his team's scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.

The Sooners are next in action this Saturday, March 6, when they host the Big 12 Championships inside the Howard McCasland Field House in Norman.