April 28, 2009
(release courtesy of Dave Blanchard, Luther College sports information director)

DECORAH, IOWA . . . The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has announced that Luther College wrestler Alec Bonander has been awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.

The NCAA awarded educational grants to 58 student-athletes. The winners (29 men and 29 women) represent winter sports participants who will receive one-time, non-renewable grants of $7,500.

The NCAA annually awards 174 postgraduate scholarships to outstanding student-athletes throughout the nation, 87 for men and 87 for women. The scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who excel academically and athletically and who are in their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition.

To qualify for an NCAA postgraduate scholarship, a student-athlete must be nominated by his or her athletic department, have an overall grade point average of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent, and must have performed with distinction as a member of the varsity team in the sport in which the student-athlete was nominated. The student-athlete must have behaved, both on and off the field, in a manner that has brought credit to the student-athlete, the institution, and intercollegiate athletics. The student-athlete also must intend to continue academic work beyond the baccalaureate degree as a full-time or part-time graduate student. The Association awards up to 174 postgraduate scholarships annually, 87 for men and 87 for women.

Bonander, a two-time All-American at 197, completed his Luther career as a four-time national meet qualifier who produced a record of 97-25. Three-times he was named a National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American and three-times he was named to the Iowa Conference All-Academic Team (3.50 gpa or higher). In 2008, he was also named a third-team ESPN The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-America. This past season he captured his first Iowa Conference wrestling championship at 197 after finishing as the league runner-up as a sophomore and junior.

Luther College has a long tradition of student-athletes receiving NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships. With this award, Bonander becomes the 31st student-athlete, the second this year, and the sixth student-athlete in the past four years to receive this award.

Bonander will graduate from Luther with a double major in accounting and management. He has been a member of the Dean’s list every semester and has a cumulative grade point average of 3.82.

Bonander, a 2005 graduate of West Lyon High School, is the son of Lannie and Rod Bonander of Larchwood, Iowa.

Luther College, a four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Church in America, is located in Decorah, Iowa. The Norse compete in 10 men’s and nine women’s intercollegiate sports.

As a member of the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) since 1922, the men have won 145 conference championships. In 1982, the IIAC expanded its championship sponsorship to included women’s sports. During this time frame, the women have won 56 championships. Combined, the Norse have won an unmatched 201 IIAC titles.

More information on Luther College athletics can be found on the athletic web site at http://sports.luther.edu.

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