Nov. 10, 2005

DETROIT - Wayne State University junior linebacker Dan Barnes (Grand Ledge, Mich.) has been named to the 2005-06 CoSIDA Academic All-District IV College Division Football First Team.

Barnes earned his third letter in 2005 by playing in WSU's first six games, starting four times, before suffering a season-ending injury returning an interception in the Warriors win over then #9-ranked Michigan Tech.

He finished the season with 37 tackles (14 solo, 23 assisted) including 4.5 for loss. In addition to his interception, Barnes contributed two pass break-ups, a quarterback hurry and also recorded a safety when he tackled MTU's punt returner in the end zone.

A business major, Barnes has been named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll (term gpa 3.5+) all four semesters at WSU including a 4.00 term gpa for Fall 2004 (4.00).

The District IV Academic team was selected by members of CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) located in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. College Division includes all Division II, Division III and NAIA institutions.

Barnes will now advance to the national Academic All-American ballot.

This is the fourth consecutive year a WSU football player has been voted to the CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team. Previous selections were Jorge Gomez (2002), Nick Pappas (2003) and Ryan Oshnock (2004).