October 23, 2012

Golden Eagle softball team ranks fifth in Division I in academics

The Tennessee Tech softball team is back in the national rankings. The Golden Eagles have drawn attention once again for their performance in the classroom. Coach Tory Acheson's team ranks fifth in the nation for team GPA among all Division I softballl programs.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Tech softball team is back in the national rankings.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Golden Eagles have drawn attention for their performance in the classroom. Coach Tory Acheson's 2011-12 team ranks fifth in the nation for combined team GPA among all Division I softballl programs.

"We are very proud of the softball team for committing so much time and effort to excelling in the classroom," Acheson said. "Our team has set a very high standard over the past few years and it takes a special person to accept the challenge that those high standards create.

"We could never accomplish at such a high level if it weren't for Dr. (Lance) Jasitt and his staff," Acheson said. "We owe them a great deal of appreciation for all their work on our behalf. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Chuck Acheson, who has been working closely with our players, monitoring study hall and working behind the scenes to help in any way he can. This makes five years in a row in the Top 10 nationally and we are hoping to continue this run for years to come."

The Golden Eagles ranked first nationally in 2007-08, fourth in 2008-09, seventh in 2009-10 and first last year.

"We could not be any more proud of coach Acheson and his student-athletes for this achievement, and to be ranked five years in a row really says something about their effort, dedication and commitment to academic success," said Mark Wilson, TTU Director of Athletics. "This ranking just reinforces what we already know, that coach Acheson and his student-athletes are truly winners in collegiate athletics."

The rankings are compiled by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

"We have some great kids who are serious about their academics," Acheson said. "They know ultimately that carrying themselves in the classroom will carry them far after they leave Tech."

Tennessee Tech finished with a 3.572 GPA and is tied for fifth with Central Michigan. Robert Morris turned in the top GPA with a 3.609 average.

"All of us at Tennessee Tech take academics very seriously and it shows in what our softball team has been able to accomplish over the last several years," Wilson said. "They have been successful on and off the field and it's a tribute to all the student-athletes, coaches and academic support staff."

Click here to view the complete rankings

NCAA Division I Top 10
1. Robert Morris University – 3.609,
2. University of Northern Colorado – 3.603
3. Kent State University – 3.596
4. Southern Illinois University – 3.582
5 (tie). Tennessee Tech University – 3.572
Central Michigan University – 3.572
7. University of Alabama – 3.560
8. Drake University – 3.553,
9. Eastern Michigan University – 3.552
10. Bowling Green State University – 3.533