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March 1, 2011

NORMAN, Okla. – Six University of Oklahoma wrestlers were named to the 2011 Academic All-Big 12 team, the league office announced Tuesday. Honored with the selection were seniors Zack Bailey, Greg Cannon and Nathan Fernandez along with junior Jordan Keller and sophomores Jarrod Patterson and Tyler Caldwell.

The Sooners’ six selections, including five starters, tied with Nebraska for the conference lead. A total of 18 student-athletes from around the Big 12 comprised the list.

“We’re really proud to have the Oklahoma Sooners as co-leaders of the 2011 Academic All-Big 12 wrestling team with six honorees,” Jack Spates said. “It is an important aspect of our program. We believe we are commissioned to develop great wrestlers, but champions off the mat as well. I think this demonstrates that we are fulfilling our task. Our congratulations to these young men and we’re confident that we’ll further inspire other team members to dream big off, as well as on the mat.”

The six Sooner wrestlers combined to win 118 total matches this season. Zack Bailey, boasting a 23-2 record, is ranked No. 6 in the country at 141 pounds. Also ranked among the nation’s best is No. 3 Tyler Caldwell at 165 pounds, No. 8 Jarrod Patterson at 125 pounds, No. 14 Nathan Fernandez competing at heavyweight.

Nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the wrestling academic all-league squad consisted of 14 first team members combined with four on the second team. First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, and the second team are those who have 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 his 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 are also eligible.

The Sooners are next in action this Saturday, March 5, when they travel to Ames, Iowa, to participate in the Big 12 Championships.