MANHEIM, Pa. – The Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling team along with three Mustang student-athletes have been recognized by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) for success in the classroom during the 2022-23 season.
 
The SMSU wrestling team posted a GPA of 3.166, which ranks No. 19 in the country, while Nye Becker, Sean Howk, and Jace Paplow have been named National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division II Scholar All-Americans.
 
In ordered to qualify for the NCAA Division II Scholar All-America Team, student-athletes must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale and compete in a minimum of four dates of competition.
 
Becker, a two-time Academic All-NSIC honoree, is senior from Browerville, Minn., and an ag business manager major.
 
Howk, a fourth-year sophomore from New Ulm, Minn., is a two-time Academic All-NSIC honoree and a physical education/health/management major. It's the second straight year he has earned the award.
 
Paplow, a senior from Dundee, Minn., is an agronomy major and a two-time Academic All-NSIC honoree.
 
As a team, SMSU is one of just four Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference schools to rank in the Top 20 in GPA.