MANHEIM, Pa. - On the mat, the George Mason wrestling team enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in recent history this past season, earning 13 dual wins, the most for Mason since the 1991-92 season, when the team won its first of five CAA titles. The Patriots also performed in the classroom, ranking 12th in the nation with a cumulative team GPA of 3.062 on their way to earning 2007-08 NWCA Division I All-Academic Wrestling Team honors. Mason is one of only 30 wrestling programs in the nation to receive the award.

American and Duke tied for the top team GPA in Division I with each team registering a GPA of 3.335. The Patriots are one of two programs from the Colonial Athletic Association to make the team. Campbell was ninth in the nation with a cumulative team GPA of 3.109.

"Being named one of the top-12 academic wrestling teams in the nation is great recognition for our program and the efforts of our excellent academic support staff at George Mason," said Head Wrestling Coach Mark Weader. "We strive to bring in student-athletes who work hard in the classroom and on the mat."

To be eligible for consideration, teams comprise 12 student-athletes, including the 10 wrestlers that were the entries in the NCAA tournament conference qualifier. If teams had less than 10 entries for their respective qualifier, they may fill those spots with wrestlers that competed in at least one varsity dual meet during the season.

"We're seeing more teams and more coaches aware of how important being recognized for academics can be," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "We had mountains of data to look through and reference while compiling this information. Our staff was impressed with not only the volume of nominations, but the number of new programs who were submitting All-Academic recommendations.

"The All-Academic Team represents more than just fine work in the classroom, because the impact of the Academic Progress Report is more important to a sport like wrestling now more than ever," Moyer said. "These programs are making the grade."

The National Wrestling Coaches Association, established in 1928, is a professional organization dedicated to serve and provide leadership for the advancement of all levels of the sport of wrestling with primary emphasis on scholastic and collegiate programs. The membership embraces all people interested in amateur wrestling.

The NWCA, through its organizational structure, promotes communication, recognizes achievement, recommends rules and regulations, sponsors events, and serves as an educational and informational source. Additionally, the NWCA strives to foster the sportsmanship and integrity that are the cornerstones of athletic competition.