June 14, 2006

Champaign, Ill. - Illinois senior wrestler Alex Tirapelle has been named an ESPN the Magazine First Team Academic All-American as voted on by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Tirapelle represents the University At-Large Division, which is the most competitive. Each team consists of just 10 male and10 female athletes from a combined list of nominees representing bowling, golf, rifle, men's volleyball, crew, gymnastics, skiing, water polo, fencing, ice hockey, swimming, wrestling, women's field hockey, lacrosse, and tennis. To be eligible for nomination, athletes must be a sophomore, junior, or senior with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.20 or higher and be a starter or significant contributor.

Tirapelle, a senior majoring in accountancy, earned the University of Illinois Spirit Award for his overall accomplishments in athletics, academics, and community service. He ranks No. 1 on the Illini's all-time wins list (128) and is a two-time All-American and two-time Big Ten champion. Tirapelle won the Midlands title for the second year in a row, leading the Illini to another team title. He was named a First Team Academic All-American in 2005 after earning third team Academic-All America accolades in 2004. He is the first Illinois repeat Academic All-American since wrestling's John Lockhart in 2001 and 2002.