They may not have won the America East Championships, but the Bearcats still managed to school the rest of the 200 Division I soccer teams in the NCAA.
Literally.
The Binghamton University men’s soccer team came out No. 1 for the 2007-08 academic year after posting a combined GPA of 3.37, according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
“This honor is a testament to all of the hard work our players have put into our program,” said head coach Paul Marco, according to a Binghamton University press release. “They have set a standard of excellence and been successful in every way.”
The Bearcats topped many universities known for their high academic standards, such as Brown University, Penn State and Dartmouth, last year’s top academic team.
Performing well in academics has always been one of the soccer program’s most important mandates.
“It starts right when you are recruited,” said junior goalkeeper Jason Stenta. “[The program] wants you to be the best both on and off the field. We should not just be great players, but great students as well.”
The Bearcats have to do a plethora of tasks for school, including submitting a to-do list every week and sitting down and talking to assistant coaches about academics. The coaches make sure the athletes stay up on their grades and classes.
“The coaches just do so much for us,” Stenta said. “I honestly don’t know how we can keep up with everything if they were not on our backs all the time.”
BU athletics director Joel Thirer also praised the coaching staff’s efforts.
“Every year, coach Marco continues to raise the bar,” he said. “His passion and hard work has made an impression on everyone. The team has started a trend in school, turning soccer into one of the most spectacular games.”
For the last three years Binghamton has ranked in the top four when it came to Division I programs in the nation in terms of overall GPA.
“It’s a great recognition of our men’s soccer program,” Thirer said. “They are great role models for other athletes, as well as the community. Soccer is one of the most competitive programs and the [team’s] success on the field is clear in itself that it is the best of all other soccer teams. The tone is a positive one and we are enjoying the moment.”
Stenta echoed Thirer’s words.
“It’s a great honor,” he said. “We strive each year to keep everyone’s grades high on the team, so getting this recognition is something worth celebrating for. To finally accomplish it is something awesome.”