ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Missouri Western student-athletes continued record-breaking academic success for a fifth consecutive semester in the Spring of 2020. In addition to posting the highest athletic department GPA is school history and earning more MIAA academic accolades than ever before, Griffon student-athletes also established record-breaking academic marks on the national scene.Seventy-two student-athletes have been awarded Division II Athletic Director's Association Academic Achievement Awards for their academic success in 2019-20. The 72 Griffons represent a 9% increase in honorees from 2018-19 and an incredible 60% increase in honorees since the department's record-breaking academic streak began in 2017-18.To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale; have completed two years (four semesters) of college level work at a two-year and/or four-year institution; and have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his or her last academic year.Division II ADA Achievement Award RecipientsBaseball: Iasid Bernal, Jake Gilbert, Jack Hazlett, Brady Holden, Andrew Meier, Zach Pych, Chaz Verduzco, Ronnie Wigginton, Tim Wood, Brock WrolstadMen's Basketball: Zach Anderson, Beau Baker-Vaughn, Tony Chukwuemeke, Jonathan MesmacqueFootball: Tyler Baska, Domanic Chapa, Cole Kruse, Michael Marquez, Shawn Rouse, Keegan ZarsMen's Golf: Preston EwingMen's Cross Country and Track &amp; Field: Konner Larkin and Jacob OylerMen's Track &amp; Field: Logan Cutler and Nate Daugherty-ParrishWomen's Basketball: Kameron Freemyer, Simone Rodney, Katrina Roenfeldt, Miranda StephensWomen's Cross Country and Track &amp; Field: Kelsey Cox, Megan Gillen, Allison Goos, Claire ReedyWomen's Golf: Cindy HerreraSoftball: Brea Blanton, Olivia Goodale, Sydni Hawkins, Kaili Hinds, Emma Hoffart, Lauren Houston, Melanie Rasmussen, Rachel StewartWomen's Soccer: Tori Barrett, Kaili Campbell, Lillian Davis, Jordan Jennings, Ashley Mathis, Elora Maxwell, Anna Mayer, Claire Meyers, Mackenzie O'Neill, Kelsey Roe, Taylor Schwartzkopf, Julia Stahlhuth, Rachael Vitale, Danny WalshWomen's Track &amp; Field: Morgan Doyle, Grace Langford, Taylor Robinson, Sydney StigallVolleyball: Tiana Butler, Emiley Cross, Sam Duncan, Abby Gunn, Lindsey Hartline, Emilee McGowan, Ali Tauchen Women's Tennis: Mireia Birosta, Claudia Iglesias, Federica Salmaso, Karolina Strom, Katherine YeackerGriffon student-athletes continued the trend of reaching new heights in the classroom last year with the cumulative record GPA of 3.22 on a 4.0 scale. This achievement is made possible by 15 of the 16 MWSU sports achieving a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. Women's tennis paced all MWSU sport programs by boasting a 3.80 team GPA in 2019-20. In total, 224 of 391 (57%) student-athletes received a MWSU President's, Dean's or AD's academic honor."We are extremely proud of our student-athletes' success. These achievements represent their hard work and dedication in the classroom. They continue to raise the bar for Griffon Athletics," said Senior Woman Administrator and Associate Director of Athletics for Student Success Theresa Grosbach.

72 Griffons earn DII ADA Academic Achievement Awards