The National Wrestling Coaches Association announced on Apr. 8 that Arizona State University has been named the top NCAA Division I Men’s Team Scholar All-America Champion, achieving a team grade point average of 3.689827.
This recognition highlights the academic achievements of Arizona State’s wrestling program, emphasizing the balance between athletic and academic excellence among student-athletes.
Arizona State led all programs in team GPA, followed closely by Brown University, Duke University, the University of Missouri, and Harvard University. According to NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer, “Arizona State continues to set the standard for excellence on the mat and in the classroom. This recognition reflects their commitment to academic success and team culture.”
The Sun Devils had 27 student-athletes with a GPA of at least 3.0 during this period; twelve were named to the Dean’s List for earning a GPA of at least 3.5, two finished with a perfect 4.0 GPA, and three completed master’s programs.
Head coach Zeke Jones said: “Reaching this milestone was always one of the lifetime goals of the program,” adding his congratulations to coaches Denzel Burrell and Lee Pritts as well as all staff and athletes involved in reaching this achievement. “We put in the work with study halls on the road, weekends, academic meetings, and a relentless pursuit of doing our school work diligently,” he said.
Jones also stated: “Its always been our goal to see our young men become the ultimate student athletes. Do it in the classroom, on the mat, and in life. This exemplifies that we’re doing that. We’ll continue to strive in all areas. We’ll always remain grateful for the opportunity ASU has given us to strive for our goals rooted in a strong brotherhood that makes us Sun Devil Wrestling.”
Ten Sun Devil wrestlers were recognized as Scholar All-Americans—tied for most nationally—including six NCAA qualifiers: Colton Hawks, Kaleb Larkin, Pierson Manville, Nicco Ruiz, David Szuba and Cael Valencia. The awards follow an NCAA championship season where Szuba and Ruiz earned All-American honors.