MANHEIM, Pennsylvania — Five San Francisco State wrestlers have been named to the 2017-18 National Wrestling Coaches Association Division II All-Academic Team.

The Gators were represented by Kurtis Clem, Mason Boutain, Justin Pichedwatana, Elias Rosales, and Brandon Vu. With more than 300 individuals and 51 teams represented, it was the largest collective group of Division II athletes and teams ever named to the team.

"What we've seen across all levels of wrestling is the importance of the student part of the term student-athlete," NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer said. "Coaches around the country understand the importance to the health of our sport isn't just putting out good wrestlers and winning championships, but providing an environment where we foster growth in the classroom and in turn, develop the next generation of teachers and coaches to continue that mindset."

Clem, who was also named to the RMAC Wrestling Roll, is studying Dietetics. Another member of the RMAC Wrestling Honor Roll, Mason Boutain, who also won the 2018 RMAC Championship at 157 lb., is studying Nursing. Pichedwatana is studying Sociology and Rosales is also a Nursing major. A national qualifer at 125 lb., Vu is studying English Education.

In order for a student-athlete to be nominated to the Division II All-Academic Team, he must have a minimum 3.2 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale, with that benchmark at 3.0 for those who qualified for the 2018 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships. The athlete must also be in at least a second full year at his school, and have competed in a minimum of six dates of competition.

"Each college and university brings a special set of academic challenges to our educational system," said Moyer. "What we've seen from our annual All-Academic teams is that among student-athletes, wrestlers are excelling in the classroom, and that's not only great for their respective schools, but it's also great for our respective sport."