TicketsMarch 24, 2011
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati football team achieved an all-time team record with its 2.9 team grade point average in the recently ended 2011 Winter Academic Quarter.
The team GPA, reflecting 83 student-athletes enrolled in classes, is an all-time high for the Bearcats football program. Thirty-eight of the 83 players (46 percent) achieved a 3.0 or better for the quarter, while 11 student-athletes ranked between a 3.5 and 4.0.
Defensive lineman Eric Lefeld (Coldwater, Ohio/Coldwater) took home top GPA honors with his 3.956.
"I'm very proud of what the team has achieved academically," head coach Butch Jones said. "We talk as a team about being a champion, which transitions into winning in the classroom, on the field, in the community, and in life. We have taken a big first step towards that goal. We need to translate that success to the field this spring while continuing to succeed in the classroom."
Since Coach Jones' arrival in the winter of 2009, the team GPA has stayed consistently above a 2.7. In 2010, 19 student-athletes were named Academic All-BIG EAST and John Goebel (Milford, Mich./Brother Rice) earned the 2010 American Eagle Outfitters BIG EAST Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year award.
"The team GPA is a reflection of the support and commitment to academics by Coach Jones and his staff," Keri Thoman, the football academic advisor for upperclassmen said. "I believe the Bearcat Olympics program is a driving force behind the recent academic success of the team."
The Bearcat Olympics program was started in 2009 by Coach Jones. Players are grouped into teams and they compete during the offseason in a number of activities, including academics, community service, and workouts.
"A lot of credit has to go to the players and the work they do in and out of the classroom," Andy Espelage, freshmen football academic advisor said. "They have done a nice job setting the bar and will have to work hard to keep it there and surpass it."
UC opens spring practice on March 28, leading up to Bearcat Bowl V on April 16 and the close of spring football on April 23.