Five Siena Teams Receive APR Awards

Siena College’s men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s tennis, and women’s golf programs earned Public Recognition Awards from the NCAA for posting Academic Progress Rates (APR) in the top 10 percent of their respective sports across the membership. It’s the second straight year all five programs were recognized.

“The Siena community is very proud of the national recognition the student athletes from our men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s tennis and women’s golf teams have received for their academic excellence,” Siena president Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M., Ph.D. said. “They have demonstrated it is indeed possible to succeed in both academic endeavors and in athletic competition.

According to the NCAA, which made the public recognition announcement as part of the 2012 Division I Academic Performance Plan (APP) yesterday morning, the APR provides an annual scorecard of academic achievement. The Association tracks the classroom performance of scholarship student athletes on every Division I sports team.

“I think there is a direct correlation between what it takes to succeed in the classroom and on the course,” Siena College Student of the Year and Capital One Academic All-District Women’s Cross Country First Team selection Meghan Yi ’12 said. “As a Siena student athlete, you practice and train hard every day, but we also strive to do our best in the classroom. It’s about making meaningful lifestyle choices and getting the most out of your education. I’m proud to have been part of a program that emphasizes athletics and academics.”

Both cross country teams were recognized for a second straight year, the men’s and women’s tennis teams were honored for a fourth straight year, and Siena’s dynastic women’s golf team was honored for the fifth consecutive season.

“We congratulate the members of the men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s tennis and women’s golf teams,” vice president for academic affairs Linda Richardson said. “Their athletic abilities are known to us, but to earn national recognition for consistently superior academic progress is truly commendable.”

Multiyear APRs for all Division I sports teams, including the teams receiving public recognition, will be announced June 20. That announcement will include penalties for low-performing teams, teams subject to postseason ineligibility and head coach APRs.
By measuring eligibility and retention each semester or quarter, the APR provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport, according to NCAA President Mark Emmert. The most recent APRs are multi-year rates based on scores from the 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 academic years.

“These teams prove that it is possible to not only balance academic and athletic commitment, as most student athletes do, but to exceed standards and post outstanding academic scores,” Emmert said. “The drive and determination shown in the classroom and on the field by these men and women represent what it means to be an NCAA student athlete.”

“One of the objectives of the College's Strategic Plan, "Living our Tradition," is to leverage athletics to help promote the academic reputation of the College,” director of athletics John D’Argenio said. “These five programs help us meet that objective. The students have shown a commitment in the classroom and deserve this recognition.”

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