Evans named to NWCA all-academic team

University of Iowa's Mike Evans possesses brains and brawn.

The Hawkeyes' 174-pound sophomore added an honor for his work in the classroom to his sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championships in March.

Evans was named to the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division I All-Academic Team, according to a news release from the UI sports information department Tuesday. He was one of 21 All-Americans and 82 honored student athletes.

“The NWCA All-Academic Team and Individual Team is one of the best acknowledgements that we can give to our coaches and athletes at the end of a physically grueling season” NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer said in the news release. “These young men have proved that they are not only talented competitors but are leaders in the classroom as well. The NWCA Board of Directors and staff look forward to watching these student-athletes continue their success at the collegiate level and eventually as the leaders of the future once they earn their college degrees.”

Evans, a two-time NCAA qualifier, was a Big Ten finalist this season, posting a 23-7 record and tying for the team lead with 10 major decisions.

He is the 17th Hawkeye wrestler to receive the honor, being one of seven Hawkeyes named to the 2012-13 Academic All-Big Ten team. Evans extended a streak of Hawkeyes named to the NWCA All-Academic team, including at least one representative each season since Iowa Coach Tom Brands took over in 2006.