Five members of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) men's basketball team have been selected for the 2026 Winter NEWMAC Academic All-Conference team, a testament to their combined athletic performance and scholarly achievement.
The honorees — senior J.R. Newman, graduate student Nicholas Margetson, juniors Nathan Bledsoe and Justin Molen, and senior Matt Morvillo — were recognized for maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 after the 2025 fall semester while also contributing significantly on the court.
Newman adds a third career Academic All-Conference nod, while Margetson, Bledsoe and Molen each secure the distinction for the second straight year. Morvillo earns the honor for the first time in his career.
The NEWMAC’s Academic Philosophy
The NEWMAC, an association of twelve selective academic institutions, partners with eight associate members to sponsor twenty sports, emphasizing high-quality competition within a respectful environment.
Conference officials highlighted that the accolade reflects not only individual excellence but also the league’s commitment to integrating academic rigor with athletic ambition.