DALLAS, Texas - Senior Jonathan James and sophomore Kyle Yonke were among 26 individuals to be named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team, the conference office announced on Tuesday. It is the first time either golfer has been named to the all-league team.

James, a marketing major from Keller, Texas, has competed in four events this year, boasting a 75.91 stroke average. His best tournament of the year came at the rain-shorted Stevinson Ranch Invitational where he carded a 54-hole score of 6-over par 150, tying for 16th. During his four-year career at K-State, James has participated in 20 events, with a career stroke average of 77.46.

"Jonathan has worked awfully hard," head coach Tim Norris said. "Being in the College of Business, it takes a lot of extra time. He has stayed with that commitment, as well as golf, and displays a lot of dedication and time management."

Since first-year students are not eligible for all-league academic honors, Yonke, majoring in business administration, is making an appearance on the team during his first-eligible year. A native of Lubbock, Texas, Yonke has become a regular in the starting five, competing in last three tournaments. His best 54-hole outing this season came at the Alister MacKenzie Invitational where he fired a three-round total of 3-over par 216 to tie for 32nd.

"Kyle has established himself by making both academics and golf a priority," said Norris.

In his ninth year at Kansas State, head coach Tim Norris has produced 19 student-athletes on the academic all-league list, including 16 on the first team. The Wildcats have produced at least two individuals to the one of the teams every year since the 1999-2000 season.

"The academic support staff of Phil Hughes, Lindsay Larson and Kelle Branting have done a great job and are great resources for the guys," Norris said. "I've sent the message to our players that these individuals are here to help. They are such a great help in tutoring, especially when we are out on the road and miss as much time as we do."

Student-athletes named to the first team must maintain a 3.20 or better GPA, either cumulative or over the two previous semesters, and must have participated in 60 percent his team's scheduled events. Freshmen and transfer students are not eligible, but senior student-athletes who have participated in a minimum of two years and meet the GPA requirements are eligible.

The Kansas State men's golf team will compete in the 2006 Big 12 Championships April 24-25 in Tulsa, Okla.