Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Baseball Achieves Academic Excellence
July 16, 1999 | General
July 16, 1999
One would think that top-notch baseball players, such as those that make up the Oklahoma State baseball team, wouldn't have much time to focus on academics.
However, even with a trip to the 1999 College World Series, the Oklahoma State Baseball team can say that academics remain a priority. OSU had more athletes on the All- Big 12 Academic Team than any school in the Big 12.
Seven members of the Cowboy baseball team earned spots on the first team.
"It is an outstanding accomplishment to have this many athletes on the first team, and it speaks very well of OSU's program," said Bo Carter, Director of Media Relations for the Big 12.
Thirty-seven players make up the first team, 20 percent of which were from OSU. Of the seven athletes representing OSU, all had a GPA of 3.25 or above.
Carlos Gautreaux was the only player in the Big 12 to have a 4.0 average for the 1998-99 academic year.
"Tom Holliday deserves a lot of credit for the academic success of this baseball team. He has supported and worked with our office in every way possible," said Marilyn Middlebrook, Director of Academic Services for Student Athletes.
The office of Academic Services for Student Athletes provides many services to student-athletes. Among these are the assignment of a team academic counselor and the option of having a tutor help with various subjects.
"Between the coaching staff, Marilyn and myself, we set the tone from the get go that academics come first," said Academic Counselor Alan Good, "the athletes understand they have to handle business in the classroom, or they won't be able to play baseball."
The whole middle infield had a GPA of 3.0 or above for the 1998-99 academic year.
"The middle infield is made up of athletes like Josh Holliday and Billy Gasparino. The grades that they make tend to set a trend for the whole team," said Good.
Many of the upperclassman and team leaders play middle infield.
"I really look up to a lot of the older guys on the team," said junior Stu Hunt. "They set a good example by taking care of business both on and the off the field."
In the past, the grades of baseball players have had a tendency to fall in the spring semester, which is during the heart of baseball season.
"We tend to spend a lot more time working on spring schedules, we try to set up less Friday classes, so the athletes won't have to miss class for games," said Good.
Senior Josh Holliday is setting the pace among team members as a leader. Holliday was recently named the Male Student-Athlete of the Year at OSU. This award is based on academics, athletic performance, and leadership.
"Being named the male student athlete of the year says a lot not only for Josh Holliday, but for the OSU baseball program," said Carter. "You don't see many baseball players earn this kind of honor very often."
Cowboy baseball players are continuing to set the pace for excellence on Oklahoma State athletics.
