Feb. 16, 2012

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COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina equestrian team had a record-setting semester in the classroom during the Fall 2011 academic term, Gamecock head coach Boo Major announced recently.

The equestrian team posted a GPA of 3.545, setting a new team record. The equestrian team was one of three sports at the University to set new team-high GPA’s during the Fall 2011 semester – women’s swimming & diving (3.618), equestrian (3.545), and men’s track and field (3.252).

“Our team has set a goal of a 3.5 GPA for this year and we are on the way to achieving that goal,” Major said. “To reach a 3.545 GPA with 40 student-athletes is a phenomenal accomplishment. While I am congratulating our riders, I also want to extend a special thanks to Raymond Harrison, our Associate Athletic Director for Academics and Life Skills for leading all of our Gamecock student-athletes in their academic success. We also owe a big thanks to Rob Campbell in the Dodie Academic Enrichment Center for all of his hard work as our team’s academic advisor.”

Thirty two of the 40 equestrians posted GPA’s at or above 3.0, earning them a spot on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. Sixteen equestrians earned spots on the University of South Carolina’s Dean’s List, indicative of a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Eleven Gamecock riders had perfect 4.0 GPA’s, earning them spots on the President’s List. Making the President’s List last semester were – Alexa Anthony, Alison Ceresani, Melanie Cormier, Paige Dekko, Maggie Fortune, Colvin Hedgepeth, Allie Kraybill, Melody Malbin, Kimberly McCormack, Rachel Roter, and Adele Norton.

“We had an unprecedented number of athletes on our three honor rolls. We continue to excel in the classroom as well as the competition arena,” Major said. “I am very proud of our team’s efforts this past semester and am sure they will continue to hold themselves to the high academic standard that is expected of them here at the University of South Carolina. I couldn’t be more proud.”