IRVING, Texas — Utah Valley University had 12 wrestlers named to the Big 12 Winter All-Academic Team, the conference announced on Thursday. The list features 696 student-athletes across the Big 12 Conference's 16 member institutions and affiliates. The Wolverine wrestling program has competed in the Big since 2015, recently completing it's 11th season as affiliate members. 

Among the 12 were three Wolverines to earn a 4.0 over at least the last two semesters with Haiden Drury, Tanner Lofthouse, and Bridger Ricks achieving the feat. Also earning the recognition were: Kael Bennie, Jake Castagneto, Kayd Craig, Kasey Curtis, David Evans, Jack Forbes, Trevor Frank, Hudson Rogers, and Mark Takara.

This marks the fifth time that Lofthouse has named to the Academic Big 12 Team in his career. It's the third time that Drury and Forbes have received the honor and the second straight season for Takara.

The honors come after the program set a record with nine NWCA Scholar All-Americans earlier in April. Bennie, Castagneto, Drury, Evans, Forbes, Ricks, Rogers, and Takara were the eight honored by both the Big 12 and the NWCA.

To qualify for the Big 12 Winter Academic Team, student-athletes must maintain a 3.20 GPA or higher, either cumulative or over the two previous semesters, and must have participated in 20% of their team's scheduled contests. Freshmen are not eligible, while transfers in their first year of academic residence are eligible. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.