Valley prep wrestlers named academic All-Americans

PALMER — A pair of Valley grapplers have been named High School Academic All-Americans for the 2015-16 school year.

Robert Haan and Levi Farris are among 138 prep wrestlers included on the list of honorees compiled by the National High School Coaches Association.

Haan is an incoming senior at Colony High School. As a junior, Haan captured his first career 4A state title, winning the 170-pound bracket of the state championship meet. He finished 39-2 as a junior, and pushed his career mark to 110-20. Haan, who intends to pursue a career in engineering, boasts a 3.97 grade point average. He’s currently ranked 15th among 220 students in his class.

Farris is an incoming sophomore at Mat-Su Career and Technical School who competes for the Palmer High School wrestling team. As a freshman, Farris placed fourth in the 4A state tournament at 145 pounds. He finished his freshman season 34-8. Farris, who notched a 4.0 grade point average during his first year of high school aspires to attend the U.S. Naval Academy.

According to a press release issued by the NHSCA, athletes from 30 states were included on the list. Haan and Farris are the only Alaska wrestlers recognized.