Golden Eagles earn NWCA Scholar All-American awards

The Lemoore College men's wrestling program, under the direction of head coach Marcio Botelho, has been recognized as a Scholar All-American team while four members of the squad were also named Scholar All-Americans by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).

 The NWCA announced its inaugural 3C2A Men's Scholar awards on Feb. 12.

As a team, the Golden Eagles compiled a 3.22 grade point average to rank second among California Community College Athletic Association programs to earn the Scholar All-American team award.

Cerritos College, Lemoore, and Sacramento City College were the only programs from the state to earn team honors.

Named Scholar All-Americans as individuals were sophomore Joseph Clark, freshman Christopher Garza, freshman Robert Rael, and freshman Damien Valdez. The four were a part of a list of just 36 wrestlers to be recognized.

"These student-athletes have demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence both on the mat and in the classroom," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "We commend their dedication and the example they set for the sport."