By Ian Gerig
Not only are Kennedy and Silverton High School student-athletes succeeding in their fall sports, but they are also achieving in the classroom.
The Oregon School Activities Association has released its fall academic rankings for the 2011 Dairy Farmers of Oregon Academic All-State awards for the fall season. These rankings take the grade point averages of all varsity participants in a sport to create a team-wide average.
The average is then compared against other teams in the same division and sport creating a top 10 ranking. The Dairy Farmers of Oregon recognizes teams with a grade point averages of a 3.0 or higher.
Four Silverton High School teams were ranked in the top 10 in the state out of 37 5A schools.
Silverton’s girls cross country team earned the highest ranking and second place with a 3.91 GPA average.
The football team tied for ninth with a 3.09 GPA, boys cross country tied for third with a 3.76 GPA, and girls soccer tied for fifth with a 3.70 GPA average. The volleyball team took 12th with a 3.53 GPA.
“We are very proud of our student-athletes’ accomplishments both academically and athletically. The Dairy Farmers of Oregon Award demonstrates that our varsity athletes perform at a high level in the classroom while also sharing their time competing in their sport,” Greg Kaatz, Silverton High School Athletic Director/Assistant Principal said.
At Kennedy High School, varsity football team is academic state champs for 2A schools by placing first in state with a 3.23 GPA. The girls cross country placed third in state for 2A schools with a 3.91 GPA and the boys cross country team tied for 10th place with a 3.60 GPA.
“I am really pleased about the recognition for our girls and boys cross country teams at Kennedy,” said Steven Ritchie, track and field and cross country coach. “We have an exceptional group of student-athletes, who excel in the classroom and also train and compete hard in a truly challenging sport.”
Kennedy’s volleyball team tied for second in state with a 3.79 GPA Kennedy’s Kennedy Athletic Director Kevin Moffat said the academic awards are a testament to the type of students, teachers, parents and coaches in the Mount Angel community.
“From grade school through high school, every member of our staff puts in a ton of effort with our kids, and I think this reflects that,” Moffatt said. “Plus we just have some great kids who work hard, and this is a cool way for them to be recognized.”
