Elite Eight Shine In New APR Data
by Rob Moseley
Editor, GoDucks.com
The newest round of NCAA data tracking student-athlete academic progress illustrated nearly across-the-board improvement for Oregon's programs, including eight teams with perfect scores for the 2013-14 academic year.
The UO baseball, men's tennis, women's cross country, women's golf, softball, soccer, volleyball and women's outdoor track and field teams earned perfect scores of 1,000 for 2013-14 as measured by the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate, which tracks eligibility and retention of students on scholarship.
Men's tennis and the soccer team each scored 1,000 for the third straight year. The soccer program earned NCAA recognition last week for having a multiyear average in the top 10 percent of the country.
"We're very proud of the continued hard work by our student-athletes," said Steve Stolp, executive director of Services for Student-Athletes in the Jaqua Center.
The baseball program's 1,000 for 2013-14 provided a boost for the team's four-year average from 970 to 987, a 17-point jump that was among the biggest of the 15 teams that improved their multiyear average from 2012-13 to 2013-14. Only two teams saw their multiyear averages drop, while men's basketball held steady at 945 despite taking a significant hit to its retention score due to two transfers and three dismissals last year.
Men's cross country scored 993 for 2013-14, raising its multiyear average 24 points to 974, the largest improvement department-wide. Oregon's football program scored 969 for 2013-14, and saw its multiyear average rise from 958 to 967.
"It takes true commitment and personal sacrifice to excel both in the classroom and athletics," Stolp said. "Our coaches do a great job putting student-athlete academic priorities first, and the Jaqua Academic Center staff also work hard to ensure they have a quality academic experience."
Programs must earn a multiyear APR of at least 930 to remain eligible for postseason play.
