Bronco Gymnasts Post Fourth Highest GPA in Nation

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Boasting a 3.6323 grade-point average, Western Michigan placed fourth in the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women (NACGC/W) 2010 Academic Team Rankings. In total, four Broncos recorded GPAs of 4.0 and 11 of the team's 15 members had GPAs of 3.5 or better, earning individual honors.

Taking top academic honors was Southern Utah (3.8923), followed by Southwest Missouri State (3.8905) in second and Wisconsin-LaCrosse (3.6600) in third. Western Michigan was the top university from the state of Michigan, edging out Michigan State, who finished fifth behind WMU with a 3.6194. University of Michigan placed 12th, Eastern Michigan took 22nd and Central Michigan came in 45th.

Western Michigan's Spring GPA was the highest ever recorded in a semester by any athletic team in school history, according to Associate Athletic Director Jeff Stone, who oversees academics.

Katlin Abbs (pre-speech path/audiology), Stacy Kramer (biology), Liz Prouty (public relations) and Sarah Wright (exercise science) were the top honorees for the Broncos, each earning a 4.0. A total of 67 student-athletes nationwide compiled GPAs of 4.0. It was the second year in a row Kramer posted a perfect GPA.

Hannah Brooks (exercise science) was just off the 4.0 mark, tallying a 3.98 while Jenna Breen (human resource management) had a 3.93. Kristine Garbarino (advertising & promotion) and Caroline O'Brien (exercise science) each recorded a 3.74. Lindsey Wienckowski (biomedical sciences) earned a 3.68, Erin Doucey (exercise science) had a 3.62 and Tonya Eckert (advertising & promotion) rounded out WMU's honorees with a 3.52.

Sixty-five NCAA Division I teams were included in the team rankings while 305 student-athletes were named to the individual honors list. In order to earn an individual honor, student-athletes must have a 3.50 or better GPA.

Western Michigan not only made great strides academically in 2010, but also in the arena. It's first season under head coach Dave Kuzara, Western Michigan concluded 2010 with an 8-13 regular season record, its best mark since 2006.