Four Wrestlers Honored for Academic Success

Feb. 29, 2012

NORMAN, Okla. – Four University of Oklahoma wrestlers were named to the 2012 Academic All-Big 12 team, the league office announced Wednesday. Honored with the selection were seniors Jordan Keller and Erich Schmidkte along with junior Jarrod Patterson and sophomore Kendric Maple.

Each of Oklahoma's four selections are starters for the Sooners, while Patterson was awarded his second-straight first team honor. A total of 20 student-athletes from around the Big 12 comprised the list.

The four Sooner wrestlers combined to win 86 total matches this season. Maple, boasting a 26-1 record, is ranked No. 2 in the country at 141 pounds. Also ranked among the nation's best are No. 9 Patterson (125 pounds) and No. 10 Jordan Keller competing at 133 pounds.

Nominated by each institution's director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the wrestling academic all-league squad consisted of seven first team members combined with 13 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.

2012 Academic All-Big 12 Release | OU Season Statistics | Wrestling Roster

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 3, when they travel to Columbia, Mo., to participate in the Big 12 Championships.