February 19, 2004

Branting, Kruger Academic All-District

Both Honored Again 

            Kearney, NE – Seniors Nick Branting and Allison Kruger have earned Academic All-District honors for the second consecutive year.

            Like last season, Branting is a first-team All-District VII choice while Kruger once again earned third team honors on the women's side.

            Branting moves onto the national ballot where he could earn Academic All-American honors. Last year, Branting was a second-team Academic All-American, along with Nick Svehla.

            A senior from North Platte, Branting holds a 3.94 GPA as a biology major. A Rhodes Scholar state finalist, Branting has already been accepted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

            On the court, he is one of the nation's best players, leading the 7^th-ranked Lopers in scoring (22.1) and rebounds (7.2).

            Kruger (Paullina, Ia.), who is student teaching at Kearney High this semester, holds a 3.84 GPA as a physical education major. One of the best players in UNK history, she is currently averaging 13.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

            Student-athletes from NCAA Division II and III schools, and NAIA members, make up the team. District VII includes schools in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Montana and the Dakotas. Sports information directors from within the district select the team.