KIRKLAND – The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) on Wednesday announced Northwest University's Ryan Ricks as a member of the Academic All-District 4 men's basketball team.
 
Ricks, a junior management major from Spokane, averages 13 points and 4.4 rebounds per game as a starting guard for the Eagles. Ricks earned Cascade Collegiate Conference Academic All-Conference this season and was Player of the Week in November.
 
"This is a great honor for Ryan," said NU Head Coach Jeff Drinkwine. "He is the ultimate representative of what it means to be a Northwest University student-athlete. He displays a high level of character in every opportunity in the community, in the classroom, and on the court. He certainly embodies servant-leadership."
 
The award, voted upon by NAIA sports information directors from District 4, which includes Washington, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, and Canada, requires a 3.30 cumulative grade point average, a significant contribution to the success of the team, and sophomore or higher academic status.
 
The six-member All-District team also includes Nate Bruneel of College of Idaho, Tate Hoffman of Southern Oregon, Max McCullough of Eastern Washington, Jeremiah Testa of Menlo, and Dane Warp of Carroll College.
 
Ricks, the only junior in the group, has the highest GPA of those selected in District 4.
 
As an Academic All-District selection, Ricks is now a nominee for the Academic All-America award.