Feb. 10, 2004
LAS VEGAS - A near-record 10 UNLV football players earned spots on the 2003 Academic All-Mountain West Conference Team, which was announced by the league Tuesday.
The list was made up of an all-time league-best 100 total honorees, 50 of which were repeats. Senior Rebel place-kicker Dillon Pieffer, who earned his third career award, was one of nine on the list that also were named All-MWC on the field in 2003.
Junior quarterback Kurt Nantkes was the team's other three-time academic honoree while four other Rebels were recognized for the second time: senior running back Larry Croom, sophomore tight end Michael Freund and a pair of defensive backs, senior Derek Olsen and younger brother David Olsen.
UNLV's 10 members represent the second most in school history and marked the fifth 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.
Impressively, seven of the 10 Rebels were starters at their position last season, including a pair of standout junior linebackers, Ryan Claridge and Reggie Butler, junior offensive lineman Tyler Crandal and senior defensive end Chris Eagen.
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 2003 Academic All-Mountain West Conference Team
PLAYER POS YR# GPA MAJOR
Reggie Butler LB Junior 3.05 PsychologyRyan Claridge LB Junior 3.01 EducationTyler Crandal OL Junior 3.36 Criminal JusticeLarry Croom* RB Senior 3.14 SociologyChris Eagen DE Senior 3.25 Social Science StudiesMichael Freund* TE Soph. 3.56 KinesiologyKurt Nantkes+ QB Junior 3.26 FinanceDavid Olsen* DB Soph. 3.18 ArtDerek Olsen* DB Senior 3.22 CommunicationsDillon Pieffer+ PK Senior 3.02 Hotel Administration
#Reflects 2003 year in athletic eligibility+Three-time honoree*Also a 2002 honoree
