Feb. 6, 2003

LAS VEGAS - Nine UNLV football players earned spots on the 2002 Academic All-Mountain West Conference Team, which was announced by the league Thursday.

The list was highlighted by the conference's first four-time honorees, two of which were Rebels: former UNLV running back Joe Haro and former wide receiver Toby Smeltzer. The other four-timers were Jordan Gross of Utah and John Wilson of Wyoming.

Haro, who finished fourth on the Rebels' career rushing list with 2,013 yards, graduated with a 3.17 grade point average in communications. Smeltzer, a local product out of Cimarron-Memorial High School, earned a degree in hotel administration while boasting a 3.63 GPA. Also, senior linebacker Bill Cofer finished his career as a three-time honoree.

Joining them on this year's team were junior running back Larry Croom, freshman tight end Michael Freund, sophomore quarterback Kurt Nantkes, freshman defensive back David Olsen, junior LB Derek Olsen and senior DB Chameion Sutton. Nantkes, Derek Olsen and Sutton were also on last year's team.

UNLV's nine members tied for the second most in school history and marked the fourth consecutive year of at least eight honorees, a streak that coincides with the arrival of Janice D. Henry, the program's academic advisor in charge of football.

This year's MWC squad is comprised of 87 student-athletes, including 43 repeat qualifiers. A total of eight players from the 2002 All-Mountain West Conference teams honored for their play on the field also garnered academic honors, including Haro

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

UNLV Members of 2002 Academic All-Mountain West Conference Team
PLAYER           POS    YR# GPA MAJOR
Bill Cofer  LB SR  3.01    KinesiologyLarry Croom  RB JR  3.05    SociologyMichael Freund  TE FR  3.49    UndeclaredJoe Haro*    RB SR  3.17    Communications StudiesKurt Nantkes&    QB SO  3.36    Managerial FinanceDavid Olsen  DB FR  3.12    ArtDerek Olsen&     LB JR  3.18    Communications StudiesToby Smeltzer*   WR SR  3.63    Hotel AdministrationChameion Sutton& DB SR  3.51    Social Sciences

#Reflects year in athletic eligibility*Four-time honoree%2001 honoree