Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Director, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

8/21/08
Story by Tyler Cundith

JCCC athletes earn academic honors

OVERLAND PARK, KAN. --  The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) released the names of student-athletes honored as Academic All-American for the 2007-08 academic season. Johnson County Community College had nine athletes earn 11 honors last season, which ranked the program among the top 10 in the country. Two years ago, JCCC led the nation with 16 total Academic All-American.
 
To earn NJCAA Academic All-America By Sport honors, student-athletes must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.60 or better on a 4.0 scale for 45 semester hours or 60 quarter hours. Distinguished Academic All-Americans must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.80 or better on a 4.0 scale for 45 semester hours or 60 quarter hours. Of the nine JCCC student-athletes to qualify, all nine earned distinguished All-America status. Two athletes, Viktoryia Schnose of the women’s tennis team, and Francis Gipson of the women’s cross country and track and field teams posted a grade point average of 4.0.

The other seven Cavaliers earning distinguished All-America status were:  Katherine Ford (softball), Drew Garwood (baseball), Jacob Smith (baseball), Stephanie Wright (volleyball), Adam Rens (men’s tennis), Christa Heideman (women’s cross country and track and field) and Deborah Schlagel (softball).

The Johnson County Community College athletic staff knows what to look for in a prospective student-athlete. To be a Cavalier is to have the determination to succeed – not only on the playing field but in the classroom as well. Balancing academic achievement with athletic success is a primary focus of Johnson County Community College athletics.

“Our student-athletes frequently note that they chose Johnson County not only for its strong athletic traditions but for its outstanding academic reputation,” said JCCC athletic director Carl Heinrich. “They realize the academic challenges that lie ahead, but understand the importance of strong academic preparation for their future careers.”

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