13 programs earn NCAA APR recognition

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – A Northeast Conference-best 13 Bryant University programs were honored with NCAA Public Recognition Awards for placing in the top 10 percent in their respective sport for Academic Progress Rates (APRs).

The NCAA has honored 38 Northeast Conference (NEC) teams from more than 900 across the nation with public recognition awards for exceptional academic performance.  The 38 teams represent 22 sports from 11 NEC institutions.  The 38 Public Recognition awards doubled the NEC's total from a year ago.

Each year the NCAA honors selected Division I sports teams by publicly recognizing their latest multiyear APR.  The announcement is part of the overall Division I academic reform effort and is intended to highlight teams that demonstrate a commitment to academic progress and retention of student-athletes by achieving the top APRs within their respective sports.

The 909 teams publicly recognized this year for high achievement represent 14 percent of the 6,385 eligible Division I teams.  The list includes 525 women’s teams and 384 men’s or mixed squads.  A total of 239 institutions, out of 335 Division I colleges and universities, placed at least one team on the top APR list.  Last year, 841 teams were recognized.

By measuring eligibility and retention each semester or quarter, the APR provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport.  The most recent APRs are multi-year rates based on scores from the 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years.

Top-performing teams this year posted APR scores ranging from 977 to a perfect 1,000. 13

A complete list of all 13 Bryant University programs ranked in the top-10 percent:
Baseball
Field Hockey
Football
Men’s Cross Country
Men’s Golf
Men’s Swimming
Men’s Tennis
Men’s Indoor Track & Field
Men’s Outdoor Track & Field
Softball
Women’s Soccer
Women’s Swimming
Women’s Volleyball