James Bethel
  • Communication
  • Class of 2019
  • Saugerties, NY

James Bethel named NWCA Scholar All-American

2017 Mar 17

James Bethel of Saugerties was named as an NWCA Scholar All-American. The announcement was made last week during the NCAA Division III championships in Wisconsin.

Bethel finished fifth at the NCAA championships at 285 pounds to earn his second All-American honor on the mat. The Scholar All-American recognition is the first of his career. Bethel finished the season with an overall record of 44-4 with 19 pins. He captured multiple tournament titles along with winning the Northeast Regional title.

Knox had a tremendous rookie season for Oneonta wrestling at 133 pounds. Knox finished the season 30-7 overall with six pins while winning the ECWC title.

To be a Scholar All-American, wrestlers must have been a national qualifier in this season or placed in the top six at the NCAA Regional tournament. They must have a minimum record of .500 won/loss while competing in 50 percent of the team's NCAA sanctioned schedule. They must have a cumulative GPA over the previous two semesters OR cumulative GPA of 3.2+. They also are eligible if they had a winning percentage of 67% but did not place in the Top six at regionals.

Additionally, both Bethel and Knox were also named to the Empire Collegiate Wrestling Conference All-Academic Team.

The Red Dragons finished the 2016-17 season with an overall record of 12-6-1.