Why aren't the Apostles called the Church Fathers?

If the *traditional* “Church Fathers' are from about 160-380 AD, why are *they* called the Church Fathers? The Church was started by Jesus and ministered by the apostles from the very beginning - teaching, baptising and sorting out problems and misunderstandings which are written about throughout the NT. Why aren't the Apostles called the Church Fathers? Who decided which figures would be “Church Fathers”, ignoring the Apostles unquestioned esteem, experience and de facto appointment for that title and role?