ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Jessup track and field team continues to raise the bar nationally with their efforts off the track with academic success recognized by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) last week with some of the highest GPAs in the nation and conference.

With a final 3.7 GPA overall, the Jessup women's track and field team ranked second in the nation amongst the NAIA for the highest GPA as well as leading the conference with the highest GPA among their opponents. Among that 3.7 were 11 total individuals that were honored for their personal accomplishments in the classroom.

"Six of those 11 women this year qualified for indoor nationals and to not only have the athletic talent to get to nationals but to also receive Academic All-American status is a tremendous testament to their belief and commitment to being a true student-athlete," head coach Jeff Magley commented.

The Jessup men's teams also ranked the highest among all other GSAC teams with their 3.1 cumulative GPA, while five individuals were honored for their personal performance as well.

Magley expressed how proud he was of the academic accomplishments of the team this year. "Our women's team continues to excel in the classroom at the highest level nationally with the second-highest team GPA in the country and the highest team GPA in our conference and the men joining them with the highest team GPA in our conference."  

In order to qualify, the team cumulative GPA for all student-athletes on the institution's eligibility certificate for Indoor and/or Outdoor Track and Field must be 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period. For an individual nomination, the athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period.

Magley concluded, "This is the second year in a row for both our men's and women's team to receive this honor and our teams have done a great job of understanding the importance of academic excellence during their time here at Jessup."
    
William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).