Student athletes’ academic excellence
Released: April 18, 2003
In the past, the phrase “good student” was rarely associated with “student athlete.” Those days are long gone, at least at UW-Whitewater. In the 2001-2002 academic year, the cumulative grade point average (GPA) of student athletes was higher than that of the student body. The athletes’ overall GPA was 3.2, while the student body’s was 2.95.
“The University is bound by the fact that we treat all students equally, regardless of whether or not they are athletes,” said Shawn Eichorst, UW-Whitewater’s Athletic Director. “The process of finding this quality of athletes begins during recruitment.”
Kris Russell, the women’s volleyball coach, and Jim Miller, the men’s baseball coach, agree. Recruitment is the period when Russell looks for women athletes with a high GPA in high school, and high ACT scores, she believes that success in the academic area will transition to success in athletics.
The advice Miller gives to potential freshman is, “What you choose to do in your free time will determine your success in college.”
“We monitor everything they do in terms of academics,” Miller said. Both coaches stress that academics should come before athletics, but they contribute to the academic success of their team with different requirements. Miller does not allow his players to miss practice or games to catch up with schoolwork. He does, however, require all freshman team members, and those upper classmen with a GPA of a 3.0 or lower, to attend mandatory study tables, or study halls.
Russell allows her players to miss practice if extra study time is needed, but does not make any sort of study sessions mandatory.
Chancellor Jack Miller offers a financial incentive to teams that reach an overall GPA of 3.1 or higher, which can be attributed to teams’ academic excellence as well. If awarded, this money assists the team’s fund raising efforts, which helps provide funds for things like road trips, uniforms, and equipment. “Without the GPA, and the money, the team has to make more sacrifices to get what we need,” Kristin Dettman, a member of the Women’s volleyball team said.
It is essential that the students practice proper time management skills, and learn to juggle their hectic schedules. For these students, activities to juggle can include student organizations, part-time jobs and family. “Being busy helps you focus on getting things accomplished,” said Brady Endle, a pitcher and infielder on the Warhawk baseball team.
- N & P Staff,npa@uww.edu
