Smith and Cannon Named to NWCA All-Academic Division I Team

BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo sophomores Kevin Smith and John-Martin Cannon have been named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic Division I Team, comprised of 74 wrestlers representing 45 institutions.

Cannon's sophomore year was filled with many firsts, including his selection to the NWCA All-Academic Division I Team. He carries a 3.313 cumulative GPA as an elementary education major. Wrestling at 165 pounds, Cannon earned his first trip to the national championships this season after he finished third at the MAC Championships. For the first time in his career, he was named MAC Wrestler of the Week with a first-place finish at the NYS Intercollegiate Chamionships. Cannon recorded an overall record of 22-16, including an impressive 4-1 record in conference action. 

For his academic excellence and outstanding athletic achievement, Cannon also earned the State University of New York Chancellor's Scholar-Athlete Award, which recognizes Division I, Division III and NJCAA student-athletes at SUNY schools.

Cannon and Smith were also named to the Academic All-MAC Team as selected by the conference's faculty athletic representatives for their outstanding performances on and off the mat. Smith's selection was the second of his career while it was the first for Cannon.

"The student-athletes on this All-Academic Team are a great example of the hard work and dedication that the sport of wrestling teaches these young men," said head coach and NWCA president-elect Jim Beichner.

To be named to the NWCA All-Academic Team, a wrestler must have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA, been an NCAA qualifier or won 60 percent of his total schedule – and must have competed in at least 60 percent of said schedule. A wrestler may also qualify for the All-Academic team, if he obtains a 3.0 cumulative GPA and is a NCAA All-American.