Feb. 9, 2010

EVANSTON, Ill. - The Fighting Illini swimming and diving team tied for second place on the fall 2009 Scholar All-American list, which is compiled twice a year by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America to rank the top Division I swimming and diving programs in the country by grade point average. The Illini secured their highest GPA and ranking in 10 years with a 3.49 GPA to tie with Akron, while Gardner-Webb placed first with a 3.52 GPA, and rounding out the top five were George Washington and Purdue.

"I am extremely proud of the effort and commitment that the swimmers and divers have to their academics," head coach Sue Novitsky said. "The team goal they set for the fall GPA was challenging and they were able to crush it. In addition, this speaks highly of our academic support staff and to the administration for providing the resources for our student-athletes to succeed in all venues."

To qualify, teams must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A complete list of schools can be found HERE.