FULL NATIONAL WRESTLING COACHES ASSOCIATION RELEASE

FULL NATIONAL WRESTLING COACHES ASSOCIATION INDIVIDUAL SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICA LIST

FULL SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE CAROLINAS RELEASE

MANHEIM, Pa. - The Coker University wrestling team was tabbed fifth on the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Top 20 Scholar All-America Teams list, while seven Cobras earned Scholar All-America honors, announced by the organization today (Monday, Apr. 12).

Drew Shurina, Bryan Jones, Deven Holland, Troy Gasque, Matt Jacoby, Matt Shields and P.J. Wunderlich garnered Scholar All-America honors for Coker, as part of 345 individuals honored from 46 institutions. Wrestlers had to have a minimum of a 3.4 grade point average to be nominated for the honor.

The Cobras posted the fifth-highest team GPA in Division II wrestling at 3.345.

"I couldn't be more proud of our wrestlers, in a year that is anything but normal our guys have shown dedication, grit and tenacity," said head coach Derrick Nelson. "This is evident in their grades, from the team ranking to these seven individuals earning these individual awards. We would be remiss if we didn't thank all of our tutors, peer mentors, and our academic liaison Aaron Beebe. All of them have helped our wrestlers perform their best off the mat. For that, we will forever be thankful."

This is the first career Scholar All-America honor for all seven Coker wrestlers.

Shurina has posted a 3.60 grade point average. The Unionville, Va. native is the son of Melissa and Martin Shurina, and is a business administration major.

Jones has posted a 3.50 grade point average. The Warren, Mich. native is the son of Charlotte Gladney, and is an art major.

Holland has posted a 3.80 grade point average. The Weisenbaden, Germany native is the son of Cindy and Sean Holland, and is an elementary education major.

Gasque has posted a 3.55 grade point average. The Aynor, S.C. native is the son of Greg and Kelly Gasque, and is a history major.

Jacoby has posted a 3.65 grade point average. The Myrtle Beach, S.C. native is the son of Jennifer and James Kondravy, and is a criminology major.

Shields has posted a 4.0 grade point average, one of 25 wrestlers to own a 4.00 GPA. The Mount Tremper, N.Y. native is the son of Denton and PattyJo Shields, and is a criminology major.

Wunderlich has posted a 3.88 grade point average. The Myrtle Beach, S.C. native is the son of Angela and Patrick Wunderlich, and is a history major.