Feb. 13, 2001

GREENSBORO -- Wake Forest linebacker Nick Bender, who earned his degree last spring and played the 2000 season as a graduate student, was named to the 2000 All-ACC Academic Football team as announced today by ACC Commissioner John Swofford.

To be eligbile, a player must have earned a 3.00 grade-point average for the fall semester or have maintained a 3.00 cumulative average during his academic career. Bender earned his undergraduate degree in education last spring and is currently enrolled in graduate school.

On the field, Bender enjoyed his finest individual season in 2000.He started all 11 games, led the team in tackles-for-loss (14) and he ranked second on the team in total tackles (92). Bender, a native of Nazareth (PA), also had four sacks, two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble in 2000.

Of the 24 players on the All-ACC Academic Football Team, only Bender and Florida State's Jarad Moon played last season as graduate students.

The complete team can be found on the ACC website at www.theacc.com.