May 22, 2003

COLUMBIA, MO. - The University of Missouri had three of its student-athletes named to the 2003 Verizon Academic All-District men's at-large team. Senior swimmers Matt Ferrarelli and Radu Miclaus and junior wrestler Kenny Burleson recieved the honors today. Ferrarelli was a first team selection while Miclaus and Burleson were second team selections.

Ferrarelli, a senior from Retford Nottingham, England, had a 3.83 GPA in chemistry. Ferraelli was a 2003 NCAA All-American in the 400 individual medley, finishing 13th at the 2003 NCAAs. The senior was the 2003 Big 12 Champion in the 400 individual medley and was also a 3-time CSAA Academic All-American selection Ferrarelli is a 3-time Academic All-Big 12, 2-time NCAA qualifier, holds four school records (200 back, 200 IM, 400 IM and 400 freestyle relay) and is a top five performer all-time in four other events.

Miclaus, a senior from Sibiu, Romania, had a 3.64 GPA in finance and international business. Miclaus was a first team Verizon All-American last year. Miclauds was a 3-time CSCAA Academic All-American selection, 3-time Academic All-Big 12, 2002 NCAA qualifier, school record holder in the 200 butterfly and top five all-time in seven other events. Miclaus also won five of eight butterfly races he was in this year, was named Big 12 Swimmer of the Month for October, and finished second in the 200 backstroke at the Big 12 Championships.

Burleson, a junior from Neosho, Missouri, had a 3.51 GPA in marketing. Burleson was a two-time NWCA Academic All-American Honorable Mention, first team Academic All-Big 12, 2003 NCAA Qualifier and was the Big 12 runner-up at 157-pounds. He compiled a record of 33-7, leading the team in wins for the second consecutive season. He also led the Big 12 in wins, went 17-1 in duals, and finished 1st at the Central Missouri State Open, 2nd at the Missouri Open and 4th at the Las Vegas Invite this past season in tournaments. Burleson has a career record of 82-26 and a career dual record of 42-9.

Missouri head swimming coach Brian Hoffer said, "This is a tremendous achievement for these athletes. Not only do they excel in sports but they also excel in the pool. They are everything a Missouri student-athlete should be."