Posted by Scott Cummings - Fri, Oct 5, 2007 - [ Softball ] - Viewed 220 times
(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 5)--Three American Midwest Conference institutions have been recognized for their achievements in the classroom by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

William Woods University, Columbia College and McKendree University were among the 303 four-year colleges and universities that were named to the 2007 NFCA All-Academic Team list. Of the 303 programs, there were 36 NAIA institutions that were on the list.
The William Woods softball team finished second in the NAIA, and eighth nationally, among all four-year colleges.  The William Woods softball team finished the 2006-07 academic year with a 3.533 team grade-point average.

“At the beginning of last year when our softball team sat down to make goals for the 2007 season, academics and team grade-point average were two of the first things we talked about,” said William Woods softball coach Tracy Gastineau.  “They set challenging goals for team grade-point average for the year and team cumulative grade-point average.  They made their hard work and dedication in the classroom a priority; then reached and exceeded both of those academic goals.  While I am excited that this team was recognized as the No. 2 academic team in the NAIA, the proudest part as their coach is that they had a vision, then went out and worked to accomplish that goal.”

Two other AMC softball programs joined William Woods on the NAIA academic list. Columbia College also finished in the top 10. The Cougars were 10th overall among NAIA programs with a cumulative GPA of 3.395. Columbia is coached by Wendy Spratt. McKendree University was 17th on the list with a 3.290 team grade-point average. The Bearcats are led by Evelyn Bean.

The University of Rio Grande led all four-year colleges for the second straight year as the NAIA program claimed a 3.648 cumulative grade-point average.

The NFCA is the professional growth organization for fastpitch softball coaches from all competitive levels of play.

Click on the link provided to view the entire poll:  http://www.nfca.org/news/?id=2824