Click here for a complete list of South Alabama's 2011-12 Sun Belt Conference Academic honorees.

NEW ORLEANS – A total of 132 University of South Alabama student-athletes – an increase of 34 honorees from the previous academic year – were recognized for their academic achievements in the class room from this past year as they were honored by the Sun Belt Conference office this week with the release of its annual academic honors lists.  USA had a combined tally of 98 recipients a year ago.
 
The South Alabama athletic department not only saw an increase in its combined total of student-athletes from the two lists, but also a significant increase on each individual list.  Of the 132 student-athletes earning league academic honors, 72 were selected to the Commissioner’s List – a 33.3 percent increase from the 2010-11 academic year mark of 48.  USA placed 60 student-athletes on the Academic Honor Roll – up 10 from last year. 
 
“I think you have to give credit where credit is due.  This is a testament to the dedication that our student-athletes have made to excellence in the classroom,” Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance and Student Services Daniel McCarthy said. “The department is firmly committed to the academic success of our student-athletes.  Graduation is and always will be the ultimate goal.  To have little pieces of success along the way like this boast the confidence of the students and it’s something for us to be proud of.”
 
The Commissioner’s List recognizes individuals who have maintained a grade-point average of 3.5-4.0 for the 2011-12 academic year, while the Academic Honor Roll is comprised of student-athletes finishing with a 3.0-3.49 GPA. 
 
The Jaguar soccer program placed a department-best 16 members on the Commissioner’s List, while the women’s track & field program also notched double figures on the list with 12 of its student-athletes earning the honor.  The South Alabama football team – in its first year of eligibility on either list – led all programs on the Academic Honor Roll with nine honorees.  The softball and the women’s track & field/cross country programs were just behind with eight selections each, while baseball and men’s golf had seven apiece.
 
For the second-straight year, the men’s golf program had 100 percent of its roster maintain above a 3.0 GPA for the two semesters.  The volleyball and women’s golf teams just missed out on the same achievement as all but one member from each roster registered a 3.0 GPA or better.
 
The South Alabama soccer team led the way with a school-best 22 combined selections, while women’s track & field/cross country (20), football (18), softball (15), volleyball (12) and men’s golf (11) also finished in double-figures in combined selections to both lists.
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
 
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