GORHAM, Maine  – Wrapping up a unique 2020-2021 season the University of Southern Maine Huskies' wrestling team showed resilience on and off the mat as a pair of Husky grapplers earned academic honors from the National Wrestling Coaches' Association (NWCA). 

            Senior Juan Vernaza (Miramar, Fla./Somerset Academy) and junior Jake Peavey (South China, Maine/Erskine Academy) have both earned 2021 NWCA Division III Scholar All-American distinction. Peavey's 2021 achievement signifies the third consecutive season that he has achieved the academic distinction, while Vernaza is earning the accolade for the first time. 

            To be eligible for the academic honor, nominees must have at least a 3.2 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.  Traditionally, the student-athlete must meet at least one of the following wrestling criteria: 1) be an NCAA qualifier with a winning record; 2) be a Regional place-winner (top 8) with a winning record and appear in at least half of the team's scheduled events and 3) have won at least 2/3 of matches and appeared in at least half of a team's scheduled events.  However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the award structure was changed by the Division III Leadership group. Peavey and Vernaza are two of 413 individual student-athletes recognized representing 84 different institutions. 

"To be named and NWCA All-Academic team is a huge accomplishment and is a sign of a commitment to the team, individual success and growth," said Huskies head coach Mike Morin.  "As a team and staff, we talk about academics on a daily basis, and for Juan and Jake to have both the wrestling and academic requirements to earn this award under challenging circumstances is really impressive."

            After an outstanding rookie campaign in the 285 weight class which included a 2019 NEWA Futures title, Peavey continued his strong efforts during the 2019-2020 season.  Earning NCAA Division III All-Northeast Region accolades for the first time in his career, Peavey battled his way to a sixth place spot on the podium in the 285 bracket.  A 2019 and 2020 William B. Wise Scholar-Athlete, Peavey also earned NEWA All-Academic team honors and was a All-NEWA honorable mention pick as a sophomore.  Peavey is a Business major.

            Wrestling at 174 in the 2020-2021 season, Vernaza has competed at 165, 174 and 184 for the Huskies over his four-year career. Vernaza earned NCAA All-Region honors in 2019, placing seventh at the NCAA Division III Northeast Regional Championship, and has previously been honored as a All-NEWA Honorable Mention selection. Vernaza is a Exercise Science major.