LAS CRUCES, N.M.-The New Mexico State swimming and diving team ranks second nationally on the Division I Academic All-America Team list, the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) announced recently. The Aggies posted a team grade point average of 3.566 in 2007-08.
“It is a huge honor to be at the top of the list and we are very proud of our team,” head coach Rick Pratt said. “It speaks volumes about the culture of our program and how success as a student-athlete is not always measured in times and medals.”
The Aggies were second only to Yale, who recorded 3.603 G.P.A. NMSU was the only WAC school ranked in the top 75. The Aggies also finished No. 2 on the list following the fall 2006 semester. In addition, junior Tessa Bain was named to the Academic All-America list for her 4.0 G.P.A.
“They are trying to be dedicated student-athletes, not just dedicated in one area, but in all aspects of our lives,” Pratt said. “I am a better coach because I have to juggle work, raising my two kids and being a husband.
“If we’re studying hard, being responsible socially, and confident in our work in the pool, everything feeds off of each other for overall success. All of our swimmers and divers have kept improving to help us get better, but it comes from this philosophy, not just training hard.”
The Aggies return to the pool against Rice/Houston, Nov. 6, in Houston, Texas at 4:00 p.m.
Courtesy: New Mexico State University
