June 26, 2009

LAS VEGAS - LAS VEGAS - The UNLV men's tennis team again led the Mountain West Conference by putting six of its eight total players on the 2009 Academic All-Mountain West Conference Team, which was released this week.

Two of UNLV's contingent made their fourth career appearances on the academic list as seniors Elliot Wronski (3.22 cumulative grade point average) and Wesley Burrows (3.71) both achieved the rare feat.

Junior Luca Barlochhi (3.88 in finance) became a three-time honoree while Bryan Miller and Matthew Kunkel made their second appearances.

The group was rounded out by MWC Freshman of the Year Mehdi Bouras.

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

Head coach Owen Hambrook's program also tied with Utah for the men's tennis league lead in 2009 Scholar-Athletes with four each. Adding the even more impressive honor were Barlocchi, Bouras, Burrows and Miller.

The MWC Scholar-Athlete Award is the highest academic honor bestowed by the conference. To be eligible for selection, student-athletes must have completed at least two academic terms at the member institution, while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or better, and have participated in varsity competition in an NCAA-sponsored sport.

2009 UNLV MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMIC ALL-MWC TENNIS TEAMPLAYER           YEAR       GPA   MAJORLuca Barlocchi*  Junior     3.88  FinanceMehdi Bouras*    Freshman   3.61  ManagementWesley Burrows*  Senior     3.71  Lodging and Resort ManagementMatthew Kunkel   Junior     3.19  ManagementBryan Miller*    Sophomore  3.84  FinanceElliot Wronski   Senior     3.22  Hospitality Management*Also earned 2009 MWC Scholar-Athlete Award