AMERICUS - Georgia Southwestern State University men soccer players John Clark Auer, Chris Avery, Trevor Dempsey, Juan Morales, Silvio Polly, Julian Rugel and Joshua Swift have been named to the 2016 Peach Belt Conference All-Academic team as announced Wednesday afternoon by the league office.

The Peach Belt All-Academic team is part of a season-long program recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of Peach Belt student-athletes in the classroom as well as on the field. The seven honorees by GSW is a school record for most in a season.

To be eligible for the All-Academic team, a student-athlete must 1) participate in at least half of his/her team's events and be either a starter or significant contributor; 2) achieved a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and 3) completed at least one full academic year at his or her current institution. The Peach Belt Sports Information Directors oversee and select the teams.

Auer makes the Peach Belt All-Academic list in his first year of eligibility. He was named a Peach Belt Presidential Honor Roll Silver Scholar in 2015-16. The Columbus, Ga., native has started 13 of the Hurricanes 14 matches this fall in the midfield.

Avery makes the list in his first year of eligibility as well. He was named a Peach Belt Presidential Honor Roll Silver Scholar in 2015-16. The Tyrone, Ga., native has played in 13 matches on the defensive line and started seven this fall.

Dempsey picks up his second consecutive Peach Belt All-Academic mention. The junior midfielder is a two-time Peach Belt Presidential Honor Roll Scholar. A native of Columbus, Ga., Dempsey has appeared in 11 matches this season and started 10. He has one goal.

Morales earned a spot on the list in his first year of eligibility. He was named a Peach Belt Presidential Honor Roll Gold Scholar in 2015-16. The Warner Robins, Ga., native has appeared in nine matches this fall.

Polly is the fifth 'Cane recognized in 2016. He's a two-time Peach Belt Presidential Honor Roll Scholar. The junior forward from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, has started 13 of 14 matches and leads the team with 20 points. Polly is GSW's all-time leading scorer.

Rugel joins the group in his first year of eligibility. He was named a Peach Belt Presidential Honor Roll Silver Scholar in 2015-16. The Tucker, Ga., native has started all 14 matches as a defender this fall.

Rounding out the list is Swift. Making his second appearance as a Peach Belt All-Academic honoree, the Lilburn, Ga., native is a two-year Peach Belt Presidential Honor Roll Gold Scholar. The junior goalkeeper has started all 14 matches this season and is two shy of the GSW record for saves in a career.

2016 Men's Soccer All-Academic Team