Temple University Athletics
TEMPLE STUDENT-ATHLETES SUCCEED ON AND OFF THE FIELD
9.23.03 | General
"Graduating our student-athletes is the primary mission of Temple athletics so we are extremely happy and encouraged by these figures," said Temple University Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw. "We have a strong support system in place to help our student athletes succeed in the classroom, and it is paying dividends not only in graduation rates, but also in academic accolades."
Last year, Bradshaw's first year at the helm of the TU athletic department, Temple had 144 student-athletes earn Dean's List status with grade point averages of 3.5 or higher. The Owls also had nine teams enter the fall 2003 semester with cumulative grade point averages of 3.0 or higher. Also, two student-athletes, Aderonke Adenlyi (women's indoor and outdoor track) and James Chan (golf), were named Atlantic 10 Student Athletes of the Year.
Bradshaw also initiated the first annual "Breakfast of Champions" last year to honor nearly 200 Temple student-athletes who excelled both athletically and academically by "committing to excellence."
On the field of competition, Temple had its most well-rounded season, placing 83rd out of 318 Division I institutions nationally in the NACDA Director's Cup standings. It marked the University's best-ever showing and the Temple athletic program also ranked first among Atlantic 10 Conference institutions.
The Owls sent five teams -- volleyball, women's lacrosse, men's gymnastics, fencing and women's tennis -- to the NCAA Tournament while men's basketball earned a berth in the NIT. The Temple men's crew team also fared well, winning the varsity eight championship at the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta.
