Four Programs Earn APR Recognition

April 13, 2016

PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Rutgers University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics received public recognition today from the NCAA with four programs - women's basketball, women's lacrosse, women's golf and men's cross country - earning acknowledgement for their most recent multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores. To earn recognition, a program must post a score in the top 10 percent of its respective sport.

"Rutgers is a leading national research university and it is important that the academic performance of our student-athletes reflects that excellence," said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Patrick Hobbs. "We are very proud of the hard work that our students, coaches and staff put forth. Academic achievement is essential to a winning culture."

Today's public recognition marks the first for women's basketball, which had four student athletes earn Winter 2015-16 Big Ten All-Academic honors. Last year, women's basketball boasted a multi-year APR score of 989, its highest since scores were released in 2004-05.

"We strive for success at all levels and I am especially proud for our young women to be recognized for their work in the classroom," said women's basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer. "Obtaining a Rutgers degree is very special and meaningful. All our students benefit from the great education they receive."

Women's golf was recognized for the fourth-straight year and the fifth time overall. Three student-athletes were named to the 2015 Spring Big Ten All-Academic squad and six have been named WGCA Academic All-Americans since 2008.

"I am very proud of our academic success," said women's golf coach Kari Williams. "The team has made a commitment to excel both in the classroom and on the course. We compete in the nation's premiere academic and athletic conference and strive to provide a first class experience for student athletes. Earning a diploma from Rutgers University is critical to that experience."

Women's lacrosse has earned APR public recognition in each of the last four seasons. The program has a longstanding history of academic success and has also earned distinction as an Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Academic Honor squad for nine consecutive years.

"I'm proud of the effort and dedication our athletes and staff have put into continuing our academic standard," said women's lacrosse coach Laura Brand-Sias. "We look to consistently maintain a level of achievement and growth that displays the commitment of every student-athlete at Rutgers."

Men's cross country received its seventh APR recognition and first since 2009-10. Six student-athletes earned 2015 Fall Academic All-Big Ten accolades. The Scarlet Knights were also named a U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team for the 2015 season.

"I am very proud of our team and its effort in the classroom," said men's cross country coach Mike Mulqueen. "To be among the top schools in the country is a real testament to how hard they work on the course and in the classroom."

The APR is an annual scorecard of academic achievement calculated for all Division I sports teams nationally. The APR measures eligibility, graduation and retention each term and provides a clear picture of the academic performance for each team in every sport. All Division I teams' APR scores will be released April 20.

The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from the 2011-2012, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 academic years.

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