Members of the 2006-07 Wittenberg Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving teams huddle before a meet
Springfield, Ohio - Wittenberg University's men's and women's swimming and diving teams made waves both in and out of the pool this season, dedicating themselves both physically and mentally to embody the true definition of the collegiate student-athlete.
The Tiger men's team posted a cumulative 3.01 grade point average (GPA), while the women posted a 3.03, which garnered each a prestigious College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Team Academic Award.
The award, given to teams earning a minimum 2.80 GPA over the course of a season, puts Wittenberg in the company of some of the finest institutions of higher education in the country.
"I am proud of all our men and women for their hard work in the classroom," said Head Coach Natalie Koukis. "They give true meaning to the concept of student-athlete. [This award] shows what well-rounded individuals they are."
Take, for instance, NCAC Diver of the Year Courtney Roth, class of 2008 from Gurnee, Ill., who turned in a tremendous 2006-07 season with North Coast Athletic Conference championships in the 1- meter and 3-meter diving events to earn Diver of the Year honors for a second consecutive year. Roth's hard work in the classroom has also paid incredible dividends.
Roth is one of 13 student-athletes on the women's swimming and diving team to compile a 3.0 GPA or better during the most recent grading period. In addition, Adeline Brym, class of 2010 from Mansfield, Ohio; Keeley Buehler, class of 2008 from Wooster, Ohio; Hillary Clark, class of 2007 from Ann Arbor, Mich.; Jenna Davis, class of 2007 from Bridgman, Mich.; Kristin Elber, class of 2010 from Brunswick, Ohio; Emily Elliott, class of 2010 from Cincinnati, Ohio; Janna House, class of 2010 from St. Thomas, Ontario; Allison Reed, class of 2009 from Duluth, Ga.; Emily Roesch, class of 2010 from Oakland, Mich., Shantel Sechrist, class of 2007 from Saltsburg, Pa.; Katie Spittler, class of 2007 from Lexington, Ky.; and Megan Trainor, class of 2010 from McMurray, Pa., all met or exceeded that grading plateau as well.
A total of 10 student-athletes on the men's swimming and diving team compiled a 3.0 GPA or better during the most recent grading period: Neil Anderson, class of 2010 from Lakewood, Ohio; Andy Bates, class of 2008 from Lawrenceburg, Ind.; Brandon Bock, class of 2010 from Bryan, Ohio; Pat Deering, class of 2010 from Chagrin Falls, Ohio; Brian Harris, class of 2008 from Harrisonburg, Va.; Nick Pierson, class of 2008 from Indianapolis, Ind.; Matt Reiss, class of 2007 from Beavercreek, Ohio; Robert Ritzi, class of 2010 from Beavercreek, Ohio; Jeff Smith, class of 2008 from Mansfield, Ohio; and Ben Weible, class of 2007 from Lakewood, Ohio.
Bock, Buehler and Elber all rose to the head of the class with remarkable 4.0 GPAs last semester.