Jan. 28, 2011
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By Chad Binette
UCF News & Information
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCF.edu) - The University of Central Florida Board of Trustees recognized the academic success of UCF's student-athletes on Thursday and also honored the football and cheerleading squads for ranking among the nation's best.
A presentation by Academic Services for Student-Athletes (ASSA) highlighted the student-athletes' increased GPAs and graduation rates. The average team GPA, for example, has increased from 2.95 between 2003 and 2005 to 3.05 between 2008 and 2010.
UCF also led all Conference USA schools by placing an average of about 200 student-athletes on the conference commissioner's academic honor roll each year between 2006 and 2010.
President John C. Hitt praised the UCF cheerleaders for placing third this month in the Universal Cheerleaders Association national championships. KnightMoves, UCF's dance team, also placed in the top 10 nationally.
Coach Linda Gooch of the spirit squad was recognized for winning the Colonel Gene Moeller Award from the Universal Cheerleaders Association and Universal Dance Association. The award honors university administrators who have made a significant impact on their university spirit teams.
Since Gooch's cheerleading squads began competing in the national championships in 1994, they have won two national titles, placed second twice and earned 14 top-10 finishes.
Trustees applauded Coach George O'Leary and the football team for earning a top 25 national ranking and winning the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in 2010.