EWL Wrestlers Torsten Gillespie and Eathan Headlee Honored
NWCA announces inaugural Division I True Freshman All-Academic Team

DATE: 7/28/2008 12:54:00 PM
By Jason Bryant
National Wrestling Coaches Association

Manheim, Pa. -- The National Wrestling Coaches Association announced its inaugural listing for the Division I True Freshman All-Academic Team.

The organization typically announces All-Academic teams in Divisions I, II, III and the NAIA, but for the first time, a Division I true freshmen listing will be in affect with the rules the same as for the other All-Academic Teams.

Five wrestlers have met the Division I criteria.

Wrestlers must have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA, been an NCAA qualifier or won 60 percent of his total schedule - and must have competed in at least 60 percent of said schedule. The other way to qualify for the All-Academic team is have a 3.0 cumulative and been an NCAA All-American.

Those All-Academic members are Torsten Gillespie of Edinboro (3.63 GPA), Trevor Hall of Cal State-Bakersfield (3.35), A.J. Kissel of Purdue (3.32), Colt Sponseller of Ohio State (3.2) and Ethan Headlee of Pittsburgh. (3.6).

"With so much emphasis on the importance of the Academic Progress Rate (APR), we feel it's important to put another viable statistic in hands of the wrestling coaches to keep and entrench their programs," said NWCA Mike Moyer.

The NWCA believes true freshman being thrust into immediate starting roles was a reason for this award.

"The first year of college is so important, not just for wrestling, but for the student," explained Moyer. "Many college freshmen are still adjusting to the lifestyle, the course work and the freedom. Wrestlers, like our five All-Academic representatives, have all those struggles on top of trying to maintain a spot in the starting line-up at some of the most competitive programs around."

Gillespie, the younger brother of 2006 NCAA Champion Gregor Gillespie, is majoring in Computer Science, while Kissel is working towards a degree in Landscape Horticulture & Design. The remaining three are still undecided on majors.

The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a professional organization dedicated to serve and provide leadership for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on scholastic and collegiate programs. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling.

The NWCA, through its organizational structure, promotes communication, recognizes achievement, recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events, and serves as an educational and informational source. Additionally, the NWCA strives to foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of athletic competition.