West Liberty State College
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From The Trumpet - West Liberty University's News Source

West Liberty Wrestlers Earn Academic Honors

Three West Liberty University wrestlers have earned NCAA Division I I Academic AIl-American honors from the National Wrestling Coaches Association.

National qualifier Mitch Knapp was one of the three given this honor. He was first-team NCAA Division II Academic All-America selection. Knapp maintains at 3.1 GPA and is an exercise physiology major at West Liberty. He was also named an All-American after finishing in fifth place at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in Omaha, Nebraska. He is a native of Mc-Connelsville, Ohio and attended Morgan High School. He is the son of Mark and Nancy Knapp. This is his second All American honor.

174-pounder Brandon Neifeld earned a second-team NCAA Division II Academic All-America selection. Neifeld also has a 3.1 GPA and is a Biology major. Neifeld is from Hollywood, Fla. and attended Copper City High School. He is the son of Blaine and Lisa Neifeld.

Derrick Williams was named to the Honorable Mention list. He carries a 3.1 GPA and is a criminal justice major. Williams is from Elkview, W. Va. and attended Herbert Hoover High School. He is the son of Dallas and Angie Williams.

According to NCAA standards, a student must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average, on a 4.0 scale, to be nominated for the Division II Academic All-American Team. Nominees must also be in at least their second full year at the school, be a varsity team member or key reserve, demonstrate a degree of skill and have a minimum of two letters of recommendation from an academic adviser and coach submitted on his or her behalf.

Knapp and Neifeld are both juniors while Williams is a freshman redshirt. All three wrestlers will be returning next season to make another run toward a national championship and even more academic honors.

For more information and sports stories, visit www.westlibertylive.com/thetrumpet


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