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Issued: March 2, 2006

BARDON AND BIRKEL EARN WIAC HONORS FOR MEN'S BASKETBALL

MADISON - UW-Eau Claire men's basketball player Jared Bardon (So.-DeForest, WI) was an honorable mention selection to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) All-Conference team and Tyler Birkel (Sr.-Spring Valley, WI) was named the Max Sparger Co-Scholar-Athlete it was announced by sports information director Matt Stanek.

This past year, Bardon led the Blugolds in scoring, averaging 14.9 points per game, which was good for sixth-best in the conference. Bardon led the team in scoring in 14 of the team's 26 games this season.

After only playing in 15 games and not starting at all last season, Bardon played and started in all 26 games this season and tied for the team-high in minutes played this season, averaging 30.8 minutes per game.

Bardon was a matchup problem all season for his opponents as he could overpower his defenders down low and also shoot well from beyond the arc. Bardon had the second-most 3-pointers made this season on the team with 34.

Bardon was also second on the team in rebounds this season as he averaged 4.3 per game and led the team in steals with 31.

Bardon scored a career-high 26 points this season in loss to UW-Stevens Point. Bardon scored over 20 points in six games this season.

Blugold senior Tyler Birkel, along with La Crosse's Tim Owen, was awarded the Max Sparger Scholar-Athlete for his achievements on and off the court. Birkel is majoring in math with a minor in finance and maintains a 3.44 grade point average. He has been named to UW-Eau Claire's Dean's List and Honor Roll six semesters.

On the court, Birkel led the Blugolds in blocked shots and field goal percentage the last four years. He was named his team's Most Valuable Freshman during his initial season.

Jeremy Manchester of Whitewater was named the Conference Player of the Year and Pat Miller of Whitewater was named the Coach of the Year.

WIAC All-Conference Release

- JR -

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