Four Hoos Named NWCA Scholar All-Americans
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Four members of the Virginia wrestling team earned Scholar All-America honors from the National Wrestling Coaches Association it was announced by the organization on Friday (April 21).
The four Cavaliers honored were Neil Antrassian, Michael Battista, Justin McCoy and Jarod Verkleeren. McCoy earned the honor for the fourth consecutive season while Battista was named to the team for the third straight year. Verkleeren earned the distinction for the second straight year.
“I’m extremely proud of our guys for earning this recognition,” said Virginia head coach Steve Garland. “The types of academic programs these guys are in are extremely challenging and some of the hardest around. For them to be able to balance the academic workload for these classes while succeeding on the mat is incredible to me.”
The NWCA Executive Director, Mike Moyer, praised the recipients for their dedication to both their athletic and academic pursuits, saying, “Wrestling takes much focus and sacrifice, and we are proud to honor these wrestlers’ obvious commitment to their academic pursuits!”
This year, 291 wrestlers from 73 institutions were recognized for their academic achievements and commitment to the sport of wrestling.