DEKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University wrestling team earned a spot on the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division I All-Academic Team the NWCA announced today.
 
"The young men in this program pride themselves on their hard work and success in every area," said NIU head coach Ryan Ludwig. "It's nice to see some recognition for their diligence. Things are trending nicely as we continue to build something special."
 
In addition to the team honor, Brock Hudkins (Danville, Ind./Danville) was recognized as a NCWA Division I All-Academic Team as an individual. An Academic All-MAC selection, Hudkins is one of 18 wrestlers from the MAC to make the list. He is the sixth All-Academic in NIU wrestling history and the first since Brad Dieckhaus in 2012. Hudkins maintains a 3.34 GPA while pursuing his degree in pre-physical therapy.
 
As a team, NIU ranked 22nd on the 30 teams recognized by the NWCA. The Huskies have a 3.184 team GPA. It is the 10th time the Huskies have earned All-Academic team honors and the first since 2011.
 
Awarded annually, the NWCA All-Academic Team is comprised of 155 student-athletes. The team GPA was determined using a system that includes 12 student-athletes from each program. A total of 10 of these came from wrestlers that were entries in the NCAA tournament conference qualifier.
 
-NIU-