Nov. 23, 2004
Columbia, Mo. -
Eleven members of the University of Missouri football team have been lauded for their achievements in the classroom, as they were named today to the league's 2004 Football Academic All-Big 12 Team today.
Seven Tigers were selected to the first team. First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better grade point average, while the second team are those who have a GPA of 3.00 to 3.19.
Senior defensive lineman Phil Pitts was named to the league academic team for fourth straight year, this year making the second team. The senior defensive lineman has 13 tackles on the season and returned an interception for a touchdown in the season opener against Arkansas State.
Senior punter Brock Harvey was named to the first team for the second straight year, and senior tight end Clint Matthews earned his second first-team selection, as well (2002 and 2004).
To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of his team's scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are eligible.
Here's a complete listing of MU's honorees:
1st Team Academic All-Big 12
Tiger Class Major Hometown Academic All-Big 12 Honors
Adam Crossett, P/PK RS-Fr. Marketing Liberty, Mo. 1st Team (2004)
Brad Ekwerekwu, WR So. Undeclared Arlington, Texas 1st Team (2004)
Joe Gianino, OG Sr. Education Eureka, Mo. 1st Team (2004)
Brock Harvey, P Sr. Agribusiness Mgmt. Centertown, Mo. 1st Team (2003, 2004); 2nd Team (2001, 2002)
Andrew Hoskins, WR So. Undeclared Plattsburg, Mo. 1st Team (2004)
Clint Matthews, TE Sr. Atmospheric Sciences Ozark, Mo. 1st Team (2002, 2004); 2nd Team (2003)
Zach Strom, C Sr. Education Columbia, Mo. 1st Team (2004)
2nd Team Academic All-Big 12
Tiger Class Major Hometown Academic All-Big 12 Honors
Derrick Ming, LB Jr. General Agriculture Webster Groves, Mo. 2nd Team (2003, 2004)
Phil Pitts, DE Sr. Education Jefferson City, Mo. 1st Team (2001, 2002); 2nd Team (2003, 2004)
Jason Ray, WR RS-Fr. Undeclared Porter, Okla. 2nd Team (2004)
Beau Viehmann, TB Sr. Nursing Owensville, Mo. 2nd Team (2004)