Carrasco All-State Academic

Minneota junior Eric Carrasco was named to the 2020 Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association All-State Academic team for all classes. Carrasco, who has a 34-4 record this season for the Vikings, was one of nine Class A wrestlers named. He currently sports a 3.445 GPA at Minneota High School.

“Eric is an unbelievable kid, teammate, and wrestler,” said Minneota Coach Matt Myrvik. “He has worked hard for everything he has accomplished in his career.

“Eric never really won a lot when he was a younger wrestler, but he kept working and battling through those hard years. Rarely do you see kids do what he has done. Most would quit before going through what he did.” The MWCA presents the All-State Academic award to the state’s top wrestlers who also excel in the classroom.

“We are looking to recognize the best student-athletes Minnesota has to offer in each weight class,” said Joe Punchochar, Chairman of the MWCA All-State Academic committee.

“These students certainly represent what it means to be student-athletes, as they are successful in both the classroom and on the mat.” The 2020 All-State Academic Team is comprised of 28 student-athletes with a combined GPA average of 3.72. They have also combined for over 4,000 wins while maintaining a winning percentage of nearly 81 percent. Carrasco was selected at 113 pounds. “I believe what makes Eric even more deserving of this award is that he is a true competitor who will out-work and out-train everyone,” said Myrvik.

“And yet, he will be there to help any of his teammates or coaches. His ability to perform on the mat and in the classroom makes Eric a perfect example of what a student-athlete is.”

Class AAA was represented with 12 wrestlers on the All-State Academic team, while Class AA had seven. The 28 student-athletes selected this year have won a combined 14 state championships.

Three of the 28 student-athletes named carry a cumulative GPA of 3.98 or higher: Brett Willaby of Windom/Mountain Lake, Bram Fitzsimonds of Waconia, and Lue Yang of St. Paul Johnson. The MWCA All-State Academic selection process is based on a points system.