By: Jake Miller
HARTSVILLE, S.C.- Coker wrestling had five men named to the Division II Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic teams for the 2015-16 season, the association announced today.
As a team, the Cobras finished 18th among Division II wrestling teams with a 3.149 grade point average.
The team GPA is calculated by averaging the cumulative grade point averages of ten wrestlers from each team of which eight of those wrestlers must have competed in their team's NCAA II National Qualifying Tournament.
Derrick Nelson was the lone Cobra named to the All-Academic first team. The senior sport management student finished with a 3.18 GPA and a 26-3 season record. Nelson qualified for regionals at 133 pounds this season. He is a native of Spraggs, Pa. and the son of Heidi and Dave Nelson.
Austin Akins was named to the All-Academic second team with a 3.12 GPA. The senior biology student finished the season 16-9 after making it through regionals and finishing in fourth place at nationals. Akins is a native of South Chesterfield, Va. and the son of Wendy and Bret Akins.
Walker Barfield also qualified for the second team with a 4.0 GPA. The junior business administration major earned a 5-3 record on the season, and was one of only three wrestlers with a 4.0 grade point average. Barfield is a native of Lexington, S.C. and the son of Ben and Julie Barfield.
Derrick Booth was named to the honorable mention team with a 3.04 GPA. The senior exercise science major compiled a 19-9 record on the year and qualified for the Super Region 2 tournament. He is a native of Post Falls, Id. and the son of Susan and Todd Booth.
Luis Peguero was also named to the honorable mention team with a 3.15 GPA. The sophomore business administration student went 11-9 this year and qualified for regionals. He is a native of Tampa, Fla. and the son of Luis Peguero.
In order for a student-athlete to be nominated to the Division II All-Academic Team, he must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. He must also be in at least his second full year at his school, be a varsity member on his team or a key reserve, demonstrate a degree of skill and have a minimum of two letters of recommendation (academic advisor and coach) submitted on his behalf.