MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois Leatherneck student-athletes turned in a 3.046 cumulative GPA during the Spring 2011 semester, extending the unprecedented streak of academic success. Director of Athletics Dr. Tim Van Alstine announced Thursday (June 2) that for the fifth consecutive semester student-athletes exceeded the 3.0 GPA mark.

Nearly 55 percent (204-of-372) of Western student-athletes achieved a 3.0 grade point average or above, 87 student-athletes earned University Honors at 3.60 GPA and 29 finished with a 4.0 GPA (12.8 percent).

The Athletics Department's 3.046 GPA surpassed the University's GPA of 2.947.

Western's volleyball program earned the top semester GPA at 3.64, followed by women's soccer (3.55), women's cross country (3.52), women's golf (3.35), softball (3.20) and track and field (3.20) among the top grade point averages on the women's side. All nine women's sport programs achieved a 3.06 or higher team GPA.

Cross Country led the Leatherneck men's programs at a 3.34 GPA. Men's Golf (3.15), tennis (3.10), track and field (3.08) and soccer (3.05) were the 'Top 5' programs on their side.

"With a fifth consecutive semester GPA above 3.0, Western Illinois student-athletes continue to show their dedication to academic excellence. Our coaches are bringing in recruits ready to meet the demands of being a successful student and athlete. Once on campus, the Athletic Academic Services department has done a great job encouraging and supporting our student-athletes in their academic endeavors," said Van Alstine.

Western Illinois Spring 2011 Semester 4.0 GPA

Matt Barr, Football

Colleen Biebel, Softball

Sarah Blaase, Women's Soccer

Amy Byers, Women's Track and Field

Molly Carrignan, Women's Swimming/Diving

Kara Chicoine, Women's Tennis

Carianna Cottone, Women's Track and Field

Abby Davis, Women's Soccer

Josh Davis, Men's Swimming/Diving

Julie Dietsch, Women's Track and Field

Lauren Furgala, Softball

Mackenzie Gray, Women's Track and Field

Jenny Green, Women's Soccer

Justin Hamilton, Football

Taylor Henning, Women's Soccer

Jeff Liles, Men's Track and Field

Randon Lingle, Baseball

Laura Lins, Women's Soccer

Ashley Lord, Women's Basketball

Wil Lunt, Football

Chelsea Lynes, Women's Track and Field

Jennika Myers, Women's Soccer

Rick Richardson, Football

Kevin Ross, Men's Soccer

Heather Smith, Volleyball

Jordan Spaciel, Women's Soccer

Meg Toczek, Volleyball

Jessica Walsh, Women's Soccer