Feb. 21, 2012

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Eight members of the University of Missouri men's swimming and diving team were named to the 2012 Academic All-Big 12 Team, as announced by the league office on Tuesday. The announcement comes one day before the team hosts the 2012 Big 12 Championships, Wednesday through Saturday, at the Mizzou Aquatic Center.

Earning first team honors were seniors John Hunt, Max Kerwick, Michael Lopresti and Yaniv Shnaider and sophomore Mark Conroy. Senior Adam Abernathy and juniors Joe Hladik and John Krause were named to the second team.

First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA while the second team selections hold a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the previous two semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of their 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 also eligible.