May 21, 2002
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State junior wrestler Rocky Smart was named to the 2002 Verizon Academic All-District VIII Men's At-Large second-team, College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced Thursday, May 16.
Smart, a native of Pleasant Grove Utah, was the only wrestler chosen for either first or second-team men's at-large honors in District VII. The at-large team encompassed the sports of fencing, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, swimming, tennis volleyball, water polo and wrestling. The teams were voted upon by CoSIDA members from within the District VIII states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
Smart, a two-year starter at 157 pounds and team co-captain for ASU, has a 3.58 GPA and is majoring in history. A three-time NCAA qualifier, he came one match away from earning his first All-America honors at the 2002 NCAA Wrestling Championships.
This season Smart compiled an overall record of 22-7 and a dual record of 8-1, despite missing a month of the season due to a hand injury. He placed fifth at the 2002 Pac-10 Championships and received a wild card berth to compete in his third straight national tournament. Smart was also named to the 2002 Pac-10 All-Academic second-team.
As a sophomore for the Sun Devils last season, Smart placed third at the Pac-10 Championships and recorded an overall record of 26-12. He transferred to ASU from BYU prior to his sophomore campaign in Tempe.
To be eligible for selection to the Verizon Academic All-District teams, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.2 overall GPA and be either a starter or significant substitute. The student-athlete must also have reached sophomore athletic and academic status, and have completed one full academic year at their institution.