UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE ATHLETICS

Madison, Wis. - University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Dan Laurent has been named the 2010 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Max Sparger Wrestling Scholar-Athlete. A senior from Mishicot, Wis., he boasts a 3.94 grade point average and is double-majoring in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology. 

Laurent was named to the 2009 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America College Division At-Large First Team and is a two-time National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-America Team choice. In the summer of 2009, he was the recipient of an American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology scholarship for undergraduate research. Laurent has been recognized on UW-La Crosse’s Dean’s List every semester and is a three-time WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll recipient.

A two-year team captain, Laurent has won back-to-back NCAA Division III national titles at 285 pounds.  He recently helped UW-La Crosse win its 13th consecutive WIAC championship by claiming the 285-pound title for the fourth straight year, becoming the fourth individual in league archives to accomplish the feat.

Laurent is a member of American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and has served as a volunteer for the Courage Center 5k run/walk for people with disabilities.

Also nominated for this year’s scholar-athlete award were:  UW-Platteville’s Jesse Milks (Sr., Rock City, Ill./Dakota) and Brad Zellner (Sr., Luxemburg, Wis./Luxemburg-Casco) and UW-Stevens Point’s Nick Estep (Sr., Racine, Wis./Case) and Dennis Reckelberg (Sr., New Franken, Wis./Luxemburg-Casco).

The WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award is named after Max Sparger, who served as commissioner of the Wisconsin State University Conference from July, 1971 - July, 1993.

In order to be nominated for the scholar-athlete award, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average.  In addition, he must be in his last year of competition, or on schedule to graduate this academic year, and have competed for a minimum of two years.