Feb. 1, 2001

LAS VEGAS - Former UNLV offensive lineman John Greer was the only First Team All-MWC football player to also be named academic all-conference as the league released its annual honors Thursday.

The 2000 Academic All-MWC Football Team boasted 94 student-athletes, including 46 that were honored for the second consecutive year. UNLV had nine members on the team: repeat honorees Greer, Bill Cofer, Joe Haro, Nate Rydalch and Toby Smeltzer and first-timers Ryan Hanson, Joel Menendez, Dillon Pieffer and Trevan Sorenseon.

Greer was a two-time academic all-region selection and holds a 3.53 grade point average in financial management. For his performance on the field, the Apple Valley, Calif., native was also a unanimous choice of the eight league coaches for the All-MWC in November. Seven second-team All-MWC selections were named to Thursday's academic squad.

Overall, Wyoming led the way with 19 honorees.

To be eligible for selection, student-athletes must have completed at least one academic term at the member institution while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better and be a starter or significant contributor.

2000 Academic All-Mountain West Conference Team

PLAYER          SCHOOL  YR      GPA     MAJOR
Bill Cofer*    UNLV    So  3.02    KinesiologyJohn Greer*    UNLV    Sr  3.53    Financial ManagementRyan Hanson   UNLV    Fr-RS   3.36    UndeclaredJoe Haro*    UNLV    So  3.08    CommunicationsJoel Menendez   UNLV    Fr-RS   3.14    Mgmt. Information ScienceDillon Pieffer  UNLV    Fr  3.57    UndeclaredNate Rydalch*    UNLV    Sr  3.55    Financial ManagementToby Smeltzer*  UNLV    SO  3.61    Hotel AdministrationTrevan Sorensen UNLV    SO  3.13    Undeclared