Grapplers make the grade

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) announced the recipients of the 2009 All-Academic Awards. Two Falcons earned the honors, marking the first Academic All-Americans in the program.

Junior Adam Koballa and sophomore Dante Rini were among the 36 grapplers awarded with the honor.

Koballa added his Academic All-American to his 2009 trophy case. The St. Peter Chanel graduate was national champion in the 141weight class and was runner-up in 2008. He finished the season with a 30-5 record, including nine pins against the opponent. This year, Koballa is the only national champion to also earn Academic All-American status.

The Twinsburg, Ohio native is majoring in sports management and boasts a 3.20 GPA in the classroom.

Rini finished seventh in the nation at 125 and a record of 12-5. The Massillon, Ohio native has a 3.3 GPA and is an education major. In Rini’s freshman campaign, he finished 11-5, including two pins.

“What a tremendous honor for these student-athletes,” said Head Coach Frank Romano. “These awards are a testament to what we strive for as a program and as an institution.”