Ellrich Highlights KU's List of Academic All-Big 12 Selections

May 15, 2007

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

The University of Kansas placed six student-athletes on the Big 12’s Academic All-Conference team Tuesday, including four on the first team.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

KU sophomore Justin Ellrich was one of four players named to the squad with a perfect 4.0 GPA this year. He was joined on the first team by teammates Nick Faunce, Ross Kelling and Paul Smyth. Sophomore Buck Afenir and junior Erik Morrison were selected to the second team.

The academic all-league baseball squad consisted of 36 first team members combined with 18 on the second team. First team members were student-athletes who maintained a grade point average above a 3.20, while second team members held a GPA of 3.00 to 3.19.

All four of KU’s first team selections were honored for the first time, while Morrison earned his second straight second team selection.

KU (27-28, 8-15 in Big 12) will look to qualify for its third consecutive trip to the Big 12 Tournament this weekend with a three-game series against Nebraska, beginning Friday at 7 p.m. The Jayhawks will need to win their series and get help from other teams around the league.

For a complete list of Big 12 Academic All-Conference selections, click here.

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Paul Smyth

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Ross Kelling

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Justin Ellrich

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Nick Faunce