Khalloufi and Pimental: Champions in the Classroom and on the Mat
In an exciting announcement from Manheim, PA, two standout wrestlers from the Johns Hopkins wrestling program have earned coveted spots on the 2025 National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Division III Scholar All-America Team. Junior Kadin Khalloufi and sophomore Freddy Pimental have not only showcased their athletic prowess but also their academic excellence, bolstering Johns Hopkins’ impressive total of 77 NWCA Scholar All-Americans since 1984.
Celebrating Academic and Athletic Excellence
Khalloufi and Pimental are making their debut appearance on the prestigious list, representing the perfect blend of student-athlete dedication. This achievement not only highlights their hard work on the mats but also emphasizes the vital importance of scholarship in the world of sports.
Criteria for NWCA Scholar All-America Honors
To understand the significance of this honor, it’s essential to note the rigorous criteria aspiring scholar-athletes must meet:
Wrestling Criteria:
- Place in the top eight at the regional tournament, or
- Compete in at least 15 matches with a win percentage greater than 66%.
Academic Criteria:
- Maintain a GPA of 3.2 over the last two semesters or quarters (or the last three trimesters), or
- Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
This dual focus on performance—both on the mat and in the classroom—ensures that only the best of the best receive this esteemed recognition.
Meet Kadin Khalloufi: A Scholar Wrestler’s Journey
Kadin Khalloufi is not just a formidable wrestler but also a dedicated student majoring in neuroscience and computer science. Boasting an impressive 3.97 GPA, Khalloufi finished the 2024-25 season with a stellar 14-4 record. His exceptional skills were showcased through 11 of his 14 victories, which came with bonus points—comprising five pins, four technical falls, and three major decisions, primarily wrestling at 174 pounds.
Introducing Freddy Pimental: A Rising Star
On the other hand, Freddy Pimental shines as a promising force in the wrestling arena. Pursuing a major in molecular and cellular biology, Pimental holds an outstanding 3.98 GPA. This season, he racked up an impressive 29-13 record, marking a significant milestone that brings his career numbers to 49-27. Pimental’s contributions didn’t go unnoticed as he placed fourth at both the Centennial Conference Championships and Elizabethtown’s Blue Jay Classic, while also securing fifth place at the Shenandoah Invitational. His arsenal included nine pins, six technical falls, and six major decisions, showcasing his talent and determination.
A Future Full of Promise
The selection of Khalloufi and Pimental as NWCA Scholar All-Americans is not just a victory for them personally but also a testament to the excellence and commitment of the entire Johns Hopkins wrestling program. As they continue their academic and athletic journeys, both athletes epitomize the spirit of what it means to be a scholar-athlete. With their stellar records and high GPAs, the future looks bright for these two rising stars on the mat.
For more details, you can check out the official NWCA Scholar All-America release.
Conclusion
As the wrestling community celebrates these remarkable achievements, it’s clear that the legacy of academic excellence within the sport continues to thrive. We can’t wait to see how Khalloufi and Pimental will continue to contribute to their team’s legacy and academic honors in the future.
