While the wrestling season has officially been put to rest, the accolades continue for some members of this year's squad.

Recently head coach Tim Cunningham nominated some of his wrestlers for the 2013-14 Pennsylvania Wrestlers Coaches Association (PWCA) All-Academic Team.

The PWCA represents approximately 300 member schools around the state, according to Membership Chairman, Frank Wadas. Within that pool of student athletes, the committee selects three teams among the two classifications, along with a number of honorable mentions.

Cunningham said that the criteria for making the team were based on two factors: a student athlete's Grade Point Average (GPA), along with their winning percentage, which had to be above .750 to even be nominated.

Whitehall scored a big decision in that arena as four wrestlers were selected for that prestigious honor.

Senior Nicholas Kauffman was a member of the first team. He posted a 23-7 record this season and had a staggering 4.3 GPA. Kauffman finished his career at 72-49 for the maroon and gold.

Tyler Bridgwood also earned a spot on the first team. The senior went 27-8 this year and compiled a blistering 4.25 GPA that placed him among very select company. Bridgwood finished his career at 48-37.

Making the third team was Fouad Haddad. The senior was 30-5 this year on the mat, and was equally impressive in the classroom, earning a 3.69 GPA. Haddad ended his career with an 82-32 record.

Finally, sophomore Joe Gladish was a third team selection. He posted a 25-9 record for the Zephs while maintaining a 3.67 GPA.

Cunningham said that placing four wrestlers on the PWCA All-Academic Team was a first for Whitehall. Additionally, this is also the first time they had two wrestlers make the first team.

Wrestling is arguably the toughest scholastic sport. It demands a lot from a student-athlete, both physically and mentally. It also requires a huge commitment in the weight room and on the mat, with hours and hours spent practicing moves and honing their skills. And when a student athlete can succeed in the circle as well as the classroom, that stands as a testament to their discipline and desire.

"Yes, this is a major accomplishment for these student-athletes," said Cunningham. "It is proof that if you work hard and stay focused you can be successful on and off the mat.

"Having four student athletes nominated is very satisfying knowing the hard work they have been doing in school and athletically. These young men understand that academics are the number one priority and wrestling is a sport which you learn to be disciplined and hard working to be successful. Being named to the all academic all state is very difficult and being named to this team is based on GPA and wrestling accomplishments."

Cunningham said they stress the student part of the student-athlete dynamic. He said student-athletes are constantly faced with choices. Should they forgo studying for the allure of a soft pillow, or spend a Friday night in a movie theater instead of hitting the books?

"It's all about making the right choices," he said.