University of Minnesota Athletics
Sanders, Steinhaus, Thorn Named NWCA All-Academic
5/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota wrestling team featured three competitors on the 2010 NWCA All-Academic Individual Team, released by the organization on Thursday afternoon. All-Americans Zach Sanders, Kevin Steinhaus and Mike Thorn each earned acclaim for their efforts on the mat and in the classroom this season.
Sanders, a redshirt junior studying business and marketing education, captured his third All-America honor this year after placing fifth in the 125 lbs. bracket. Sanders recorded a 34-6 overall record on the season including a 7-1 record in Big Ten action. The Wabasha, Minn., native posted a third-place finish at the Big Ten championships and was Minnesota's Most Valuable Wrestler this season.
Steinhaus, a redshirt freshman majoring in kinesiology, finished eighth at his first national championship to earn All-America accolades. The Pennock, Minn., native was a runner-up at the Big Ten championships in the 184 lbs. division and posted a 34-12 overall record. Steinhaus was honored as Minnesota's Most Exciting Wrestler this year and shared the Most Outstanding Freshman Award. The redshirt freshman was recently named to the Amateur Wrestling News' All-Rookie First Team.
Thorn, a redshirt senior studying business and marketing education, ended his collegiate career with a third-place finish at the NCAA tournament, earning All-America honors for the second time. The St. Michael, Minn., native posted a program best 39-5 overall record and finished as the 141 lbs. runner-up at the Big Ten championships. Thorn's 37 career pins are the eighth most in program history while his 111 career wins tie him for 24th all-time at Minnesota.
