Contact: Jonathan Albert

Campbell's Nixon Named to NWCA Division I All-Academic Team

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Lantz Nixon, a senior on the Campbell wrestling squad, has been named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division I All-Academic team.

Nixon compiled a 3.3 GPA as a Trust Management major at Campbell and is just the third Camel wrestler to be honored with a selection on the NWCA All-Academic team. Current head coach Billy Greene and John Christian were both named to the Second Team in 2000.

"We're proud of Lantz's contributions on the mat and in the classroom," said Greene. "His academic honors are a testament to his commitment and dedication in the MBA program at Campbell."

Nixon excelled in the both the classroom and on the mat during his four years at Campbell. The Akron, Ohio native ranks 12th on CU's all-time win list with 69 and placed fourth or better each year at the Colonial Athletic Association tournament. Nixon placed third as both a freshman (2001) and sophomore (2002) and fourth in his junior (2004) and senior (2005) seasons.

In 2002, Nixon became just the fifth CU grappler in the program's history to qualify for the NCAA tournament. Anthony Cox (twice, '87, '88), Jerry Brooks, Christian, Greene and Nixon are the only Campbell wrestlers to accomplish the feat.

Nixon is a two-time team MVP, earning the honors in 2002 and again in 2005. During his senior season of 2004-05, Nixon served as team co-captain and he led the squad in overall victories (16), conference wins (7) and major decision victories (6). He totaled a career-high 25 wins as a sophomore in 2001-02.

"As a coach I am thankful for the academic example Lantz has been to his teammates," said Greene of Nixon's accomplishments. "This recognition is further evidence of the example he has set for his Campbell wrestling teammates in the classroom."

To qualify for the NWCA Division I All-Academic Team, the student-athlete must have reached one of two criteria. One, he must have a 3.2 GPA and been an NCAA Qualifier or won 60% of his total schedule (Nixon won 73% of his bouts in 2004-05). The second qualification is that the student-athlete must have a 3.0 GPA and have earned NCAA All-Academic Honors.

The Campbell wrestling program finished the 2004-05 season 2-17 overall and 1-7 in the CAA. CU's wrestling program is under the direction of second year head coach Billy Greene, a 2000 graduate of Campbell.

[Complete Team]