MANHEIM, Pa. – The National Wrestling Coaches Association announced the recipients of the NAIA Men’s Scholar All-America awards on Tuesday afternoon. Eastern Oregon had five athletes earn the distinguished honor for the 2023-2024 season. Braden Carson, Cody Glenn, Kyle Knudtson, Jay Smith, and Hunter Sparks all were named Scholar All-Americans for their outstanding work in the classroom and on the mat.
“I am very proud of our team for the hard work they do in all aspects of being student athletes,” Head Coach Dustyn Azure said. “These guys continue to reach for excellence and it’s a reflection on our leaders in the wrestling room and from our administration.”
To be eligible for the award athletes must maintain a 3.5 or better GPA and compete in a minimum of five events during the season.
With five award winners, it marks the second straight year the Mounties have had five or more athletes earn the honor. In 2023 Eastern had eight grapplers named Scholar All-Americans.
Carson, Knudtson, Smith and Sparks all are repeat award-winners also earning the honor in the 2023. This year’s award marks the first for Glenn, a junior.
The NWCA will announce the men’s Team Scholar All-America awards at a later date. Follow www.eousports.com for all future updates.