Jackrabbits Earn Academic Recognition

OREM, Utah — A total of 15 South Dakota State University wrestlers received recognition from the Western Wrestling Conference on either the All-Academic Team or Coaches’ Honor Roll during the recently completed 2014-15 season.

The Jackrabbits, coached by Chris Bono, placed seven wrestlers on the All-Academic Team, tying North Dakota State for the most selections in the six-team conference. SDSU honorees included:

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  • J.J. Everard, 285 pounds, Jr., 3.27 GPA, Physical Education/Teacher Education;
  • Ben Gillette, 133, Jr., 3.71, Biology/Pre-Medicine;
  • David Kocer, 174, Fr., 3.47, Agriculture Science;
  • Nate Rotert, 197, R-Fr., 3.36, Early Childhood Education;
  • Ben Schwery, 174, So., 3.51, Wildlife and Fisheries;
  • Brance Simms, 133, Jr., 3.31, Construction Management
  • Luke Zilverberg, 141, R-Fr., 3.51, Wildlife and Fisheries.

To qualify for the All-Academic team, student-athletes had to secure a minimum 3.20 cumulative grade point average, as well as be a starter or key reserve.

In addition, eight other Jackrabbit wrestlers earned distinction as a member of the Coaches’ Honor Roll for maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. SDSU’s Coaches’ Honor Roll selections included:

  • Josh Casperson, 184, Fr., 3.27, Pre-Nursing;
  • Spencer Derifield, 165, Fr., 3.41, Exercise Science;
  • Colin Holler, 149, R-Fr., 3.08, Physical Education/Teacher Education;
  • Alex Macki, 285, R-Fr., 3.32, Wildlife and Fisheries;
  • John Nething II, 174, Sr., 3.09, Consumer Affairs;
  • Tyler Pieper, 141, Fr., 3.74, Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine;
  • Quinn Smith, 133, Fr., 3.60, Exploratory Studies;
  • Kyle White, 133, RFr., 3.57, Pre-Nursing

SDSU’s 15 total selections ranked second among league members, trailing Utah Valley’s 18 honorees. In all, 71 student-athletes were recognized on the two academic honor squads from the Air Force Academy, North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, SDSU, Utah Valley and Wyoming.

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