July 21, 2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Five University of Cincinnati programs earned BIG EAST Team Academic Excellence Awards, recognizing the highest collective grade-point averages in their respective sports, the conference announced today (July 21).  

“This is a shining example of the quality of student-athletes, coaches, and support staff that we have at the University of Cincinnati,” said Director of Athletics Mike Thomas.  “This recognition is another step in fulfilling the CATAPULT action plan and something that everyone in the Cincinnati community can take pride in.”

UC football, which placed seven individuals on the BIG EAST all-Academic team in 2007, sported a team GPA of 2.66.  The men’s cross country team, led by BIG EAST/Aeropostale Institutional Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year Randy King, posted a 3.40 GPA during 2007-08.

Three women’s programs led the conference in grade-point average.  The women’s golf team (3.52 GPA), swimming and diving team (3.47 GPA) and indoor track and field team (3.22 GPA) were also honored.

The winners were chosen based on the 2007-08 grade-point average of each student-athlete that appears on an institution’s squad list in a particular sport.

Notre Dame led the BIG EAST Academic honors with six teams holding top GPAs in their respective sports.