Big12AtLarge-main-4417.jpg
Big 12 Awards Academic Honors
April 04, 2017 03:51 PM | General
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Big 12 Conference today named 11 West Virginia University student-athletes to the 2017 Academic All-Big 12 At-Large Team.
The team recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at Conference institutions who participate in sports outside of Big 12 competition, including rifle and men’s soccer.
Of the 39 student-athletes names to the team, junior Elizabeth Gratz (marketing) of the five-time reigning NCAA Champion WVU rifle team was one of two nominated with a 4.00 grade point average (GPA), marking the second straight season the All-American has earned the award with a perfect GPA.
Joining Gratz on the first team in their first year of eligibility are teammates Will Anti (finance) and Ginny Thrasher (biomedical engineering). Jean-Pierre Lucas (petroleum & natural gas) earned his fourth career award and was named to the second team for the second straight season.
“A great emphasis within our program is placed on academic success, and it is nice to see our student-athletes strive for excellence in the classroom, too,” WVU rifle coach Jon Hammond said. “A lot of hard work goes into earning this recognition, and I’m proud of these student-athletes’ dedication and commitment to their studies.”
Seven members of the men’s soccer team were recognized today, including five first-team honorees: Jad Arslan (general business), Mike Desiderio (management), Christian Diaz (management), Jack Elliot (management information systems) and Louis Thomas (general business). Griffin Libhart (marketing) and Joey Piatczyc (multidisciplinary studies) were named to the second team.
“I continue to be extremely proud of the young men in our program” WVU men’s soccer coach Marlon LeBlanc said. “Every year, they continue to prove that WVU men’s soccer is a program committed to being a complete student-athlete, and they are to be commended for yet another wonderful recognition.”
First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.2 or better GPA, while the second team selections hold a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.
To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of their team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation also are eligible.
2026 Mountaineer Invitational Preview
Thursday, April 09
Nate Gabriel | April 8
Thursday, April 09
Coach Rich Rodriguez | April 8
Thursday, April 09
Coach Rod West | April 8
Thursday, April 09
