Nov. 6, 2003

Winston-Salem, N.C. - Wake Forest senior goalkeeper William Hesmer and senior defender Wiggy Saunders were named to the CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) Academic All-America District III Team, the organization announced on Wednesday.

Hesmer, a history major with a 3.307 grade point average, was selected to the first team. Saunders, a biology major with 3.525 GPA, was picked to the second team. As a first team All-District Selection, Hesmer's name will be placed on the national ballot for consideration.

Hesmer, a native of Wilson, N.C., was an All-American on the field as a junior. He is a two-year captain and a two-time All-ACC selection. Hesmer suffered a season-ending thigh injury during Tuesday's match against Davidson. He is Wake Forest's career leader in goals against average and shutouts.

Saunders, a native of Columbus, Neb., is a three-year starter at defender for the Demon Deacons. He has played in 62 games with 49 starts. His contributions are a major reason why the Deacons ranked second in the nation in defense in 2002. Saunders has played and started in 15 games this season and has one goal and two assists to his credit.

"These honors are very well-deserved," said Jay Vidovich, Wake Forest's tenth year head coach. "This is a testament to not only the individual efforts by both Will and Wiggy, but also our support staff, especially our academic counselor Elizabeth Miller. She works hard with all of our student-athletes to help them reach their potential in the classroom."

To be eligible for nomination, student-athletes must have played in 50 percent of the team's games, be of sophomore standing academically and carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.2.