MANHEIM, PA. – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) unveiled its 2025 NCAA DII Men's Scholar All-American Awards on Monday, April 7, 2025, spotlighting student-athletes who have demonstrated exceptional prowess both on the wrestling mat and in the classroom. Among the honorees are seven standout wrestlers from the University of Sioux Falls, celebrated for their dedication to academic and athletic excellence. Adding to the individual accolades, the USF wrestling team ranked 14th nationally for overall GPA in the NCAA DII Men's Scholar Academic program, posting an impressive 3.362 team GPA based on the 10 starters from their NCAA Super Regional tournament.

The NWCA Scholar All-American distinction is awarded to individuals who meet one of the following rigorous criteria: achieving All-American status at the 2025 NCAA DII National Championships with a minimum GPA of 3.0, qualifying for the national championships with a GPA of at least 3.25, or competing in four or more events while maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This year's recipients from USF exemplify the balance of discipline and determination required to succeed at this level.

Representing the Cougars on the prestigious list are:

• Stetson Davis, Freshman, 197 lbs – Criminal Justice
• Calvin Empkey, Redshirt Freshman, 133 lbs – Business Administration
• Lincoln Fink*, Sophomore, 157 lbs – Mathematics Education
• Isaiah Laguna*, Senior, 285 lbs – Criminal Justice
• Grant Moraski, Redshirt Freshman, 174 lbs – History & Political Science Education
• Jordon Oehme, Sophomore, 141 lbs – Exercise Science
• Joel Thompson, Freshman, 157 lbs – Business Administration
  (*Denotes prior Scholar All-American recognition)

These athletes have not only excelled in their respective weight classes but have also pursued diverse academic paths, ranging from Criminal Justice to Mathematics Education. Their accomplishments reflect the University of Sioux Falls' commitment to fostering well-rounded student-athletes, a dedication further underscored by the team's strong academic showing among NCAA DII programs nationwide.

"The NWCA is proud to recognize these outstanding individuals who embody excellence in both athletics and academics," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer. "These wrestlers are a testament to the hard work and perseverance it takes to compete at a high level while maintaining strong academic standards."

The USF wrestling program continues to build a legacy of success, with athletes like Lincoln Fink and Isaiah Laguna earning repeat honors as Scholar All-Americans. The team's 14th-place finish in overall GPA, calculated from the 10 starters at the NCAA Super Regional tournament, highlights the program's culture of excellence that extends beyond the mat.

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