May 7, 2007
NORFOLK, VA -- Old Dominion wrestler Ryan Williams (Mechanicsville, PA) became the first ever Monarch to be named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Academic Team. He was just one of three in his weight class to be named to the 2006-07 NWCA All-Academic Team. The ODU sophomore turned in an impressive campaign both on the mat and off this season going 30-9 while carrying a 3.33 GPA.
"As we build our program into a national powerhouse it is a priority of our program to place our student athletes on the NWCA All-Academic Team," said head coach Steve Martin. "It shows that you are not only getting it done on the mat, but more importantly, in the classroom."
Williams, a Business Management major, was a part of an exclusive group of wrestlers on the All-Academic team. He was one of just three CAA wrestlers honored and also one of just three in his weight class nationwide. On the team, he joins other top-tier wrestlers as the team honored 17 wrestling All-Americans.
He was an NCAA Qualifier as a freshman and just missed in one of the CAA's deepest weight classes this season by finishing third at the conference tournament. Williams is never overmatched on the mat, as he was only defeated by decision this season. In nine losses, Williams lost by an average of less than four points per bout. This season the Pennsylvania native saw his career record climb to 59-24.
For complete release of All-Academic Team, click here.