Contact: Taiah Gallisath, Associate Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5302

2024-2025 CSC Academic All-America At-Large Teams

July 9, 2025 – North Central College men's wrestler Casey Aikman was recognized by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) as an Academic All-America Third Team selection, as the organization announced its NCAA and NAIA men's at-large teams Tuesday morning.

Nominees must carry a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 and have achieved at least sophomore academic and athletic standing while meeting specific athletic criteria for their respective sports. For wrestling, nominees must be in the lineup for at least 70 percent of team-scored events or compete in their weight class at a conference championship meet. The Academic All-America Teams are selected through a vote by CSC's membership, which is comprised of more than 4,000 sports information and athletic communication professionals throughout the United States and Canada.

A two-time Academic All-District selection, it marks Aikman's first-ever Academic All-America honor. He is North Central's first men's wrestling Academic All-America honoree since Nathan Fitzenreider earned the distinction in 2013.

Aikman, an exercise science major, posted a 27-8 record this season with 13 tech falls, the second most on the team. He won the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Championship at 197 pounds with a 9-7 decision over Jackson Punzel of Wheaton College, and placed fourth at the Lower Midwest Regional Championship at 197 pounds.

Aikman is one of six CCIW student-athletes to earn the distinction, as five Illinois Wesleyan University student-athletes join him on the list.

Download the free North Central Cardinals app, available for iOS and Android devices, to receive up-to-the-minute news, scores and updates on your favorite North Central teams. Click HERE for more information.