The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) announced on Apr. 2 its NCAA Division I Scholar All-American selections, with the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) earning recognition for seven student-athletes.
This acknowledgment highlights the balance UNI wrestlers have achieved between their performance in competition and their commitment to academics. The university’s seven honorees represent the highest number among Division I programs in Iowa and tie with North Dakota State for fifth-most within the Big 12 Conference. Five UNI athletes also qualified for this year’s NCAA Championships held in Cleveland.
Eligibility for the NWCA Scholar All-American honor is based on both academic record and athletic results. Criteria include a top-eight finish at the NCAA Championship with at least a 3.00 grade-point average (GPA), qualification to the NCAA tournament with a minimum 3.2 GPA, a conference championship qualifying spot paired with a 3.50 GPA, or completing at least fifteen matches with a winning percentage of sixty percent while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.50.
“These student-athletes have demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence both on the mat and in the classroom,” said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. “We commend their dedication and the example they set for the sport.” Of UNI’s honorees, four qualified directly for this year’s NCAA Championships, including one alternate as well as another who competed at Big 12 Championships.
The recognized wrestlers are Trever Anderson (Management Information Systems/Marketing: Sales Management/Business Analytics), Ryder Downey (Public Health), Julian Farber (Business Administration), Nick Fox (Management/Advertisement & Digital Media/Management: Business Administration), John Gunderson (Kinesiology & Exercise Science), Jared Simma (Sport Administration), and RJ Weston (Kinesiology & Sport Performance).
Looking ahead, UNI wrestling will continue to be active throughout its season across social media platforms and through updates available online.