Men’s Wrestling Places Among Nation’s Best in Academics

MANHEIM, Pa. – The Sacred Heart University men's wrestling team earned national recognition for its work in the classroom, placing 16th in the 2026 NCAA Division I Team Scholar Awards, as announced by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA).

The NWCA Team Scholar Awards recognize programs that demonstrate success both on the mat and in the classroom, reinforcing the balance of athletic performance and academic achievement across Division I wrestling.

In addition to the team honor, four Pioneers were named NCAA Division I Scholar All-Americans by the NWCA. Representing Sacred Heart were Dakota Asuncion, Chris DeLena, Brendan Gilchrist, and Aidan Zarrella.

Individually, Scholar All-American status is awarded based on a combination of academic achievement and athletic performance. To qualify, student-athletes must meet one of the following criteria: maintain a 3.0 GPA and earn NCAA All-American honors; hold a 3.2 GPA and qualify for the NCAA Championships; or post a 3.5 GPA while either competing at the conference tournament or winning at least 60 percent of matches during the season (minimum of 15 matches).
Sacred Heart's recognition underscores the program's commitment to academic success and competitive excellence at the Division I level.

Schedule

Men’s Wrestling Places Among Nation’s Best in Academics

Players Mentioned

Dakota Asuncion

Chris DeLena

Brendan Gilchrist

Aidan Zarrella

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