The Jeffersonville Red Devils wrestling team has long been recognized for their dominance on the mat, but what truly sets them apart is their commitment to academic excellence. For the 2023-24 season, Jeffersonville wrestling added another incredible accolade to their storied legacy by winning the IHSWCA/NWCA Academic State Championship. The Red Devils earned this prestigious honor with an outstanding team GPA of 3.7, the highest in the state, proving once again that their commitment to excellence goes far beyond athletics. To claim the Academic State Championship, Jeffersonville’s wrestlers had to submit their team GPA as sectional champions, competing against the best wrestling teams in Indiana. But for the Red Devils, this victory wasn’t just a one-time achievement—it was the result of years of dedication to academics. Jeffersonville wrestling has consistently ranked among the top ten academic teams in the state, year after year. They have twice boasted the individual with the highest GPA in the state and have produced over 100 Academic All-State athletes, the most of any team in Indiana. Coach Struck and his staff have built a culture where academic achievement is just as important as performance in competition. “We stress to our athletes that wrestling is about discipline and hard work, and that carries over into the classroom,” said Coach Struck. “Winning on the mat is great, but we want our wrestlers to excel in every area of life, and that starts with their education.” This academic success is no accident. Jeffersonville wrestlers are held to the highest standards, with a focus on balancing their rigorous training schedules with their studies. The team has created an environment where supporting one another in academics is as crucial as working together in practice. Whether it’s group study sessions or one-on-one academic mentoring, the Red Devils ensure that every wrestler is prepared for life after high school. This year, the team’s efforts were formally recognized when they were awarded the IHSWCA/NWCA Academic State Championship plaque at the IHSWCA Fall Clinic. It was a moment of pride not only for the program but for the entire school community. The culture of excellence has clearly paid off. By continuing to prioritize education, Jeffersonville wrestling not only develops top-tier athletes but also builds leaders who succeed in the classroom and beyond. Their victory in the IHSWCA/NWCA Academic State Championship is proof that when the Red Devils take on a challenge—whether on the mat or in the classroom—they are relentless in their pursuit of greatness. For the Red Devils, being Academic State Champions is not just a title; it’s a reflection of their enduring commitment to building champions both on and off the mat.