BERKELEY, Calif. -- St. Francis College's Nemanja Simonovic (Jr., Belgrade, Serbia/XII Belgrade) is the recipient of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Elite 88 award for the 2010 NCAA Division I men's water polo championship.

Simonovic, majoring in accounting, was presented with the award during the men's water polo Final Four banquet on Friday evening at the University of California-Berkeley.  He owns a sensational 3.92 grade point average.

The Elite 88, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers.

The Elite 88 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s 88 championships. 

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.

For more information on the Elite 88 award winners, log on to NCAA.com/Elite88.

Release courtesy St. Francis Athletic Communications