More than 200 student athletes were recognized on the 2018 Fall Athletic Director’s List, setting a new record for the list.
The list recognizes athletes who achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher for the semester. Student athletes had an average GPA of 3.223 last semester.
The 232-athlete list breaks the previous record of 203. Included on that list are 127 students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, 86 with a 3.75 or higher and 26 with a 4.0 or higher.
The sport with the most athletes on the list was competitive cheerleading, with 31 cheerleaders receiving the honor.
The record number of students is due to the work of the coaches and the students themselves, Athletic Director Jim Abbott said.
“I would give the credit to our coaches who, when recruiting our student athletes, not only consider their talent when playing the sport but also their commitment to academic achievement,” Abbott said. “And I would also give credit to the students. It is very challenging, balancing the rigors and the time demands of practicing and competing in a sport with what is necessary to achieve academically around here.”
Freshman Wrestler Brooke Logan is one of the students recognized on the list. She said balancing athletics and academics can be challenging.
“It’s always been hard, but I always find time,” Logan said. “Usually, we have practices in the morning and then the rest of the day I can do homework or anything else that I need to do.”
Logan said her team helps her stay accountable for her grades.
“Our team is always about accountability,” Logan said. “If someone needs help then the older girls are always willing to help us and they’ve been through some of the classes. One of the girls also works as a tutor and she’s really good at helping.”
Senior Runner Sheridan Hoyer also was recognized on the list. She said she studies whenever she has spare time to keep her GPA up.
“It’s really hard, especially with cross country since our practices are at 6 a.m., so I’m up at like five every morning to get to practice and then straight to class,” Hoyer said. “I study in the evening or whenever I can make time.”
Hoyer said the study halls that her team hosts help the athletes with their grades.
“My team specifically does study halls on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and I’m sure that helps,” Hoyer said.
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