The Valparaiso University men’s golf program has been named an All-Academic Team by the Golf Coaches Association of America for the fourth straight year, the GCAA announced this week. In addition, the Crusaders were honored with President’s Special Recognition status for the third consecutive year, as they were one of just 11 Division I programs to post a cumulative team GPA of 3.5 or higher.

“Our team is grateful for this annual team award, which recognizes distinguished performances in the classroom,” said Crusader head coach David Gring.  “This award reflects an important part of our team culture, and the emphasis that our guys place on their studies.  We had twelve guys average a 3.63 GPA this past year.  I consider that exceptional, when you look at the amount of time that we spend in practice and traveling to tournaments, along with the level of competition these guys face in our classrooms.”

Valparaiso was the only Horizon League program which was named an All-Academic Team this season.  The Crusaders’ Kyle Henning earned Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar honors from the GCAA last week for a second consecutive year, while four golfers were named Academic All-Horizon League recipients and eight earned spots on the league’s Academic Honor Roll.  In addition, Valparaiso is one of just three programs in the nation to earn the President’s Special Recognition status each of the last three years.

“These young men deserve all of the credit for three consecutive years of the President's Special Recognition,” said Gring.  “It is a real pleasure to coach them, and they demonstrate considerable balance on the golf course and in the classroom.”