February 26, 2008
Nine members of the Texas A&M men?â„¢s swimming and diving team were named to the 2008 Academic All-Big 12 Team, the conference office announced on Tuesday.
Making the Academic All-Big 12 first-team for the Aggies, who are competing in the Big 12 Championships Wednesday through Saturday, were seniors Luke Chambless, Ozzie Gardner and Alejandro Jacobo, junior Brad Raiford and sophomores Jason Bergstrom and Casey Strange. Earning a spot on the second team were junior John VanNatta and sophomores Matt Platt and Henry Stevens.
Nominated by each institution?â„¢s director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the men?â„¢s academic all-league swimming & diving squad consisted of 30 first team members combined with six on the second team. First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, and the second team is consisted of those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.
To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of his/her team?â„¢s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.