WESTFIELD, Mass. – Westfield State University athletics recognized it's high-achieving student athletes on Wednesday night with annual Athletic Director's 3.0 ceremony and reception in conjunction with the Owls' basketball game against Bridgewater State.
Westfield State Director of Athletics Richard Lenfest, Jr. recognized the large group of athletes who gathered on the court at halftime for the presentation.
"We're very proud to recognize our scholar student-athletes," said Lenfest. "I want to thank the faculty, our academic success center, our Faculty Athletic Rep Dr. Paul Cacolice, and our coaches for always giving a message for striving in the classroom,"
Lenfest cited 33 student athletes that earned a 4.0 during the fall semester, and 17 who have maintained a cumulative 4.0 to date, including a pair of seniors, women's golfer Kaitlyn Egan (Sutton, Mass./Grafton) and men's soccer captain Collin O'Brien (Windsor Locks, Conn.).
To see the full list of honorees, click HERE
Dr. Michael Freeman, Special Assistant to President Linda Thompson, brought greetings to the athletes from the president.
"The pride that emanates from [President Thompson] for the number of students that are standing here for their success in the classroom," said Freeman. "It's important that we take this time to recognize your efforts and your excellence, not only as athletes … but also as students and scholars."
275 student athletes cumulative earned grade point averages of 3.0 or higher through the completion of the fall 2023 semester, which represents 57 percent of the Owls' student athletes.
60 percent of the Owls produced a 3.0 or better GPA for the fall semester.
As a group, Owls student-athletes achieve in the classroom, as the collective cumulative GPA of the athletic teams was 3.01 through the fall.
As a team, the Owls women's swimming and diving team produced the highest overall cumulative grade-point average, at 3.58.
Westfield State's women's golf team generated the highest GPA in the fall semester, clocking in at a remarkable 3.84.
Honorees received a commemorative t-shirt as a gift for their hard work, and enjoyed a pizza reception after the on-court ceremony. With the big student crowd in attendance both the Owls men's and women's basketball teams rallied for conference wins over Bridgewater State as part of the teams' senior night.