June 30, 2005

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Lafayette student-athletes reached a department best with a 3.12 overall grade-point average in the spring 2005 semester, Director of Athletics Bruce McCutcheon has announced.

The mark equals the classroom performance of the Leopards in the spring of 2003. A total of 63.5 percent of Lafayette's 476 student-athletes achieved at least a 3.0 GPA this spring, including 26.5 percent who had a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

This marks the third semester since the formation of the Patriot League that Lafayette student-athletes reached the 60 percent threshold in terms of a 3.0 GPA.

"I am extremely proud of our student-athletes and stand in awe of the exceptional job they do," McCutcheon said. "They are excelling in a demanding academic environment while competing at the Division I level. They are truly role models who epitomize the Lafayette Experience."

The Class of 2005 led the way, with 49 of the 65 recent graduates earning a 3.0 or better in their final semester. Nearly half of the entire class was above 3.5, as 31 students made the silver or gold Academic Honor Roll.

Ten student-athletes had a 4.0, while 35 others were above a 3.8 GPA to make the gold honor roll established by the Lafayette athletic department.

Seven Leopards landed spots on the CoSIDA Academic All-District II squads for their sports last year, with Stephen Bono '05 (football) and Mike Tortora '06 (men's soccer) being honored by ESPN The Magazine as Academic All-Americans.

Kevin Penderghest '05 (track and field/cross country), men's soccer players Nathan Jolly '05 and Thomas Harju '07, as well as Frank Cortazar '07 (baseball) and Brad Maurer '07 (football) were recognized at the regional level.