Five Valparaiso University athletic teams have been cited with the NCAA Public Recognition Award for academic performance.

            Honored were men’s teams in cross country, indoor track and outdoor track and women’s team in tennis and volleyball.

            The award is presented to teams that have an NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate in the top 10 percent of all teams in their respective sport.  The calculation of APR tracks the academic progress of each student-athlete and includes eligibility, retention and graduation.

            University President Dr. Alan Harre expressed satisfaction with the recognition.  “We are proud of the quality of the academic program at Valparaiso,” President Harre said, “so to see that our athletes are outperforming many of their peers in the classroom is especially gratifying.”

            Mark LaBarbera, director of athletics, said he was pleased to see the efforts of Valparaiso’s student-athletes publicly recognized.

            “Earning a place among the top 10 percent in academic progress for teams in their respective sports speaks highly of the dedication of our student-athletes and the importance our coaches place on the academic success of their team members,” he said. “We are proud of the academic performance of our student-athletes and are pleased when that record is publicly recognized.”

            Valparaiso and Loyola University Chicago shared the lead among members of the Horizon League for the most team teams earning the Public Recognition Award.