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

             Honored were men’s teams in cross country, swimming, and indoor and outdoor track along with women’s teams in cross country, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, 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 most recent Academic Progress Rate is based on the academic progress and retention of student-athletes for the three academic years 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06.

             “The fact that half of our 18 teams were recognized for being among the top 10 percent in academic progress speaks highly of the dedication of our student-athletes and the recognition by our coaches that their team members are students first and foremost,” said Mark LaBarbera, director of athletics.  “We are proud of the academic performance of our student-athletes and are pleased when that record is publicly recognized.”