DC’s Kleman Nets Academic All-District Honor

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Austin Kleman was selected to the ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-District IV Team on Thursday, earning mention on the second-team. The honor is voted on and announced by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

The award recognizes student athletes for outstanding achievements in the classroom, as well as on the playing field. In order to be eligible for this award, the athlete must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.30 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have reached sophomore status or higher academically, participate in over half of the team's contests and play a key role on the team.

Kleman posted a combined 26-18 record during his breakout sophomore campaign, going 13-9 in singles and doubles competition. The Sidney, Ohio, native boasted an unblemished mark in singles play throughout the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference schedule, going 7-0 with six victories coming at No. 3 and one coming via a victory in his only match at No. 2.

Kleman earned his first nod as an All-HCAC selection in 2009 and has been equally impressive in the classroom, where the molecular biology major boasts a sparkling cumulative grade-point average of 3.98.

Defiance closed the 2009 campaign with one of its strongest seasons in recent history, posting a 15-8 overall mark and advancing into the semifinals of the HCAC Tournament. Kleman will highlight a group of four returning starters for the Yellow Jackets in 2010.