Staff Writer
Auburn University athletes continue to excel as 47 varsity students have been named to the 2007 SEC Spring Honor Roll.
“The transition from high school to college can be hard for anyone,” said 2007 SEC Spring Honor Roll recipient and senior softball player Lauren Walton, who is preparing to graduate in elementary education. “But for athletes it can be even more challenging. The athletic department does a good job though of helping incoming students build a foundation that helps student athletes succeed.”
The Auburn athletic department provides its student athletes with a state of the art facility equipped with tutors, study rooms and advisers all dedicated to helping the athletes manage their academic work loads.
“Our coaches are very encouraging academically,” said volleyball athlete Rachel Shanks, a senior in pre-pharmacy. “There is a lot of pressure, but we are required to perform not only on the court but also in class.”
According to SEC regulations, to qualify for this year’s Spring Honor Roll, athletes must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher or have received a 3.00 GPA or higher for the preceding academic year.
The athletes must also either be on scholarship or have participated in a varsity sport for a minimum of two years and completed at least 24 semester hours of non-remedial credit.
This year, Auburn’s equestrian team led in number of honored athletes with nine, and men’s track fell just behind them with eight honored members.
Women’s golf achieved six recognitions and both the baseball and women’s track teams had five members awarded.
Men’s golf, softball and men’s track teams all had three honor roll members while the women’s tennis team gained two.
“Even on the bus and plane rides during the season the players are helping each other out,” said Shanks. “The upperclassmen help the lower and if anyone is good at a particular thing they help out in that field. We are encouraged to do well and everyone- coaches, athletes, advisers- they all help us to achieve our expectations.”
