Mountain Hawks honored for academics by CSCAA
Posted: February 5, 2010
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – On the heels of a strong regular season in the pool, Lehigh’s swimming and diving teams were honored for their work in the classroom as both Mountain Hawk squads earned Scholar All-American Awards from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America. Lehigh’s women were honored for having a 3.26 team grade point average in the fall 2009 semester, while the men were recognized for their 3.13 team GPA in the fall. The CSCAA Scholar All-American honors are awarded to swimming and diving teams that have a minimum 3.0 team GPA.
“This team works so hard in the pool to make the impossible possible, and when it comes to the classroom they top that,” explained Lehigh head coach Rob Herb. “Lehigh student-athletes are the shakers and movers of the world. We expect that they will lead while at Lehigh, in the Patriot League and in their sport, but ultimately smile to know that they will lead for a lifetime!”
Lehigh’s women were one if 111 Division I programs recognized. The Mountain Hawk women were also honored over the summer for their efforts in the spring 2009 semester. Lehigh placed 13 women on last summer’s Patriot League academic honor roll, led by current sophomore Paola Simon’s 3.95. In the pool, the Mountain Hawks clinched a second straight winning dual season with a 5-4 record.
The Mountain Hawk men were one of 42 Division I programs to earn the academic honor. Lehigh placed 11 men on last summer’s academic honor roll with current seniors Mike Harm (3.66) and Mark Ostapenko (3.60) owning the top spring 2009 GPAs among returning male swimmers. Lehigh is also enjoying a highly successful season in the pool, where the Mountain Hawks will enter the Patriot League Championships following a 9-1 dual season.
A total of eight Patriot League programs were honored for their academic work in the fall. The men’s and women’s teams from American, Bucknell and Lafayette joined Lehigh in earning the honor for both teams. American’s men led all of Division I with a 3.47 GPA, while Gardner-Webb posted the highest women’s GPA at 3.52.
Both Lehigh teams will now focus their sights and training on the Patriot League Championships, February 18-20 on the campus of the U.S. Naval Academy.