Lycoming Swimming Flexes Academic Muscle

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Historically, the members of the Lycoming College swimming teams have maintained the true essence of a student-athlete on the NCAA Division III level by combining strong athletic performances with equally adept showings in the classrooms.  As a testament to their hard work and strength of character, both 2005 Warrior squads have studied their way into national recognition.

The College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) voted both the men’s and women’s swimming teams as scholar All-American Teams for the spring 2005 semester.  The women’s team qualified for “Excellent Standard” and the men’s team earned “Commendable Standard” with the CSCAA award ranking structure.

To be eligible for the CSCAA scholar All-American Award program, a team must have a 2.80 grade point average or better on a 4.00 scale for the semester.  Based on the overall term grade point average, a team will be ranked as one of the following academic standards: commendable (2.80-2.99 GPA), excellent (3.00-3.24 GPA), superior (3.25 GPA and above).  All swimmers who competed in any competition during the course of the year, regardless of their current academic situation, must be included in the team calculations.

The Warrior women’s team posted a 3.23 grade point average while the men’s contingent registered a 2.85 grade point average to earn their respective CSCAA standard rankings.  Notable standouts from last season for the women’s team included graduates Karissa Brown, Julie Campobasso, Mallory Doherty, Tracy Fausel, Rebecca Fox, and Erin Horsley, and juniors Amy Gatehouse, Jess Gough, and Ashley Stumpp.  The men’s’ efforts were spearheaded by graduate Josh Hogan and seniors Kyle Drake and Steve Hawley.

This is the second consecutive set of honors for the Lycoming swimming program.  Both teams ranked in the excellent standard category (3.22 GPA for the women; 3.01 GPA for the men) in 2004.

“Our men's and women's swim teams have consistently excelled in the classroom year after year,” explained head coach Jerry Hammaker.  “We take great pride in their accomplishments both in the water and in their academic endeavors.  We strive to bring in student athletes, through our recruiting efforts, who will be able to continue this great tradition.”