Isn't it ironic that academics was the excuse that the conference gave in not inviting Boise State last year, yet it is that same university that dominates the Pac-10 Academic Team with four of the ten selections? We just keep laughing at the poor Pac-10. Their decision is looking more stupid and more transparent by the moment. We know the real reason why they did not invite Boise State--because they did not want to be dominated in the same way their wrestling teams are.
Alan Bartelli, Michael Cuthbertson, Adam Hall and Josh Strait all were chosen to be on the Pac-10 Academic First Team, while Jacob Swartz was a second-team member and Kirk Smith received honorable mention. To be eligible for All-Academic recognition, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be classified as a starter or significant contributor to his team.
Hall, who was named the Pac-10 Wrestling Scholar-Athlete of the Year, led the All-Academic conference team. Hall had a 30-2 overall record, Pac-10 title at 157 pounds and a fifth-place finish at the NCAA Wrestling Tournament in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Hall will graduate next month with a 3.50 GPA in Health Science.
Bartelli is a Pre-Dental/Biology major with a 3.37 GPA. He finished third at the Pac-10 Tournament at 125 pounds, had a 20-10 overall mark and qualified for the national tournament.
Cuthbertson carries a 3.52 GPA in General Health Science and started five duals at 165 pounds this year.
Strait is a redshirt sophomore who has a 3.78 GPA in General Health Science. Strait competed in 19 matches at 141 pounds this season.
Swartz, a freshman, is undeclared on his major and earned a 3.34 GPA. He broke into the starting lineup in his first year with a 20-16 record and trip to the NCAA Championship.
Smith is one of the most successful wrestlers in Boise State history but was plagued by nagging injuries this season.
FIRST TEAM
Nick Amuchastegui, STAN Jr. 3.98 Mechanical Engineering
Alan Bartelli, Boise State Sr. 3.37 Pre-Dental/Biology
Michael Cuthbertson, Boise State So. 3.52 General Health Science
Tai Fukumoto, ASU So. 3.92 Philosophy
Adam Hall, Boise State Sr. 3.50 Health Science
Tyler Iwamura, CSUB So. 3.67 Business Accounting
David Morgan, CSUB Sr. 3.32 Business Administration
Elijah Nacita, CSUB Sr. 3.41 Business Administration
Josh Strait, Boise State So. 3.78 General Health Science
Stephen Thalin, CP Sr. 3.32 Civil Engineering
SECOND TEAM
Timmy Boone, STAN So. 3.13 International Studies
Jordan Gray, STAN R-Fr. 3.36 Undecided
Michael Hawkins, ASU So. 3.28 Justice Studies
Mike Kent, STAN So. 3.35 Public Policy
Jake Meredith, ASU Jr. 3.09 BIS
Kyle Meyer, STAN R-Fr. 3.30 Undecided
Dylan Rush, STAN Sr. 3.22 Philosophy
Jacob Swartz, Boise State R-Fr. 3.34 Undeclared Business
Jacob Tanenbaum, CP So. 3.19 Kinesiology
Bryce Whitehead, CSUF R-Fr. 3.19 Mechanical Engineering
HONORABLE MENTION
Joey Granata, So, CSUB
Clayton Schuelke, So, CSUF
Kirk Smith, Boise State Sr.
