Statesmen Excel Academically in 2017-2018
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–William Penn University athletic teams did not only succeed in competition this past school year, but they flourished in the classroom as well.
While six programs earned berths to their respective national tournaments, over half of WPU’s athletic teams also surpassed the coveted 3.0 barrier for team Grade Point Average during 2017-2018. A total of 11 teams eclipsed the mark with men’s golf, headed by Coach Steve Tucker, leading the way with a collective 3.49 GPA.
Women’s volleyball (coached by Aleesha Cleaver) and women’s golf (coached by Chris Pierson) were right on the heels of the men’s golf team at 3.48.
“Success like this is what it is all about,” Athletics Director Nik Rule said. “We are so proud of the way our student-athletes excelled in the classroom. We are taking a big picture view toward developing the young men and women at William Penn University, utilizing sport and teams as a way to prepare our students for life at the highest level.”
Jaymee Highcock’s women’s soccer squad was next at 3.17; his men’s soccer team was also above the mark at 3.04. Steve Williamson led the women’s basketball program to a 3.13 GPA, while women’s bowling (coached by Mark Van Wyk) owned a 3.10 mark. Abby Reynolds’ cheer (3.06) and dance (3.02) squads were on the list, as was the softball team (coached by Mike Christner) at 3.05. Mike Laird’s baseball program rounded out the grouping with a 3.01 team GPA.
“Having 11 teams with a GPA that exceeded a 3.0 shows a great commitment, campus-wide, and an effective partnership between our faculty and coaches to work together to provide the best environment for student learning,” Rule said. “We look forward to continuing this momentum each year as we work to develop quality student-athletes into high-achieving citizens.”
Programs Above 3.0 for Team GPA
Men’s Golf–3.49
Women’s Golf–3.48
Women’s Volleyball–3.48
Women’s Soccer–3.17
Women’s Basketball–3.13
Women’s Bowling–3.10
Cheerleading–3.06
Softball–3.05
Men’s Soccer–3.04
Dance–3.02
Baseball–3.01
