Dean invited to NCAA conference

Like a lot of students, IU wrestler Max Dean will head to Florida this summer. Thanks to the NCAA, his trip to Disney World will be free.\nDean, a redshirt freshman, was named as the Hoosiers' representative to the 2005 NCAA Leadership Conference, being held May 29 through June 2 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Dean was one of 325 student athletes chosen from more than 1,100 applications. \n"It's a perfect time and a perfect opportunity," Dean said. "I talked to (sophomore) Jed (Zayner) on the soccer team, who went last year. He came back and felt pumped about working with the team. It's just another positive thing for the wrestling program, more icing on the cake."\nAccording to the NCAA's Web site, the conference provides a discussion forum for student athletes to talk about issues facing them on campus. There are also seminars to improve communication, leadership, decision making and problem solving skills, as well as daily exercises and activities -- including a trip to Disney World. \n"Max is really deserving of this honor," said IU wrestling coach Duane Goldman. "He is a model student athlete and a great representative of our wrestling program and Indiana University. \n"Max is a good representative of the team and the University. I want a whole team of leaders and he's good for the guys to see and shoot for." \nDean was one of seven wrestlers who advanced to the NCAA Championships this season for the Hoosiers. The native of West Chester, Ohio, finished the season with a 26-14 record. His fifth-place finish at 165 pounds in the Big Ten Tournament punched his ticket as one of two redshirt freshmen to advance to the finals in St. Louis. In addition, last week he received the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award for the IU wrestling team. \nStudents are nominated by University officials who have CHAMPS/Life Skills programs based on their ability and desire to be a leader and their potential to benefit from the experience. They must be in good academic standing and have a year of eligibility remaining. Often, they are members of the student athlete advisory committees on campus. \nDean feels that the conference will help him more than just on the mat. \n"I'll probably be a high school assistant coach on the side (after graduation)," he said. "I know I can never let wrestling go completely out of my life. The program is geared to help the participant side, but it's also going to benefit me when I become a coach."\n-- Contact Staff Writer Andrew Petersen at andpeter@indiana.edu.