PORTLAND, Ore. – Seven players from the Montana State University Billings men's soccer team who met the requirements for the academic all-Great Northwest Athletic Conference team had the grade point averages to back it up, as the conference office announced the award winners on Thursday.
 
To be eligible for the award, students must be in at least their second full year at their university, and they must play during the given season. Once meeting those requirements, any player with a grade point average of 3.20 or higher earns the honor.

"It is a very important award for us, far more important that the individual award or team award we received this week for our performances on the field," commented head coach Thomas Chameraud. "Those seven players are rewarded for their work off the field, and they set an example for the rest of the team. We expect more players to get that award next year, and we are paying extra attention to their work in the classroom. We are also working closely with the MSUB Faculty and Staff to make sure that every MSUB Men's Soccer player does what he is supposed to do in the classroom. We have a tremendous support from the MSUB Faculty and Staff and by working together the success of our student-athletes is increasing."
 
Leading the way for the 'Jackets was sophomore Brady Tesch (Auburn, Washington) who holds a team high 3.68 grade point average and is majoring in health and human performance – teaching option. On the pitch, Tesch has nine games played and 278 minutes with two shots.

Team captain Luca Battisotti won academic all-GNAC for the second straight season as a junior. Battistotti (San Rocco al Porto, Italy) holds a 3.64 GPA in Business Administration: Management. He has been an anchor at defender for MSUB this season with 10 starts and four shots attempted.
 
Fellow junior Shantik Bedrosian (Doetinchem, Netherlands) earned the award for the second time. Bedrosian ranks second on the team with nine points and 10 starts this fall. He owns a 3.29 GPA in health and human performance –human performance option.
 
Senior Christian Thode (Stanwood, Washington) earned GNAC all-academic for the second straight season with a 3.46 GPA.
 
First year winners included senior Liam Knox (Kirkland, Washington, 3.21 GPA, Health and Human Performance), sophomore Bryan Maxwell (Spokane, Washington, 3.64 GPA, Health and Human Performance), and sophomore Austin Shafer (Jamestown, North Dakota, 3.26 GPA, Health and Human Performance).

"Brady, Luca, Bryan, Christian, Shant, Austin, and Liam are great characters, and put the work in on and off the field," Chameraud said. "Special mention for Brady who has our highest GPA. He is someone that is always looking to get better so he can have an impact on and off the field. His attitude has been exceptional and we are really happy with him. Another special mention to Luca because he is our leader on the field, and with the second highest GPA he sets the tone as well off the field. What a great example he is for the rest of the team, and MSUB is lucky to have a gentleman like him on campus."
 
Of the 56 total honorees to the men's soccer all-academic team, 27 earned selection for the second time. Both Concordia University and Western Washington University placed 11 players on the all-academic team to lead the seven conference programs. Alex Nadermann (Northwest Nazarene) was the only athlete with a perfect 4.0 GPA among the group.
 
MSUB (6-4-1, 3-1-0 GNAC) continues the 2019 season at home this weekend with a game at Yellowjacket Field. Kickoff on Saturday against No. 23 Simon Fraser University is set for 3:30 p.m. Live video and live statistics will be available for both games online through MSUB's Stretch Internet portal here.