Three MWC Teams Earn Public Recognition Awards for Outstanding Performance in the Classroom - Mountain West Conference Official Athletic Site

Three MWC Teams Earn Public Recognition Awards for Outstanding Performance in the Classroom

NCAA recognizes Air Force football, BYU men's basketball and New Mexico women's tennis in top 10 percentile nationally for APR in their respective sports

Nov. 7, 2007

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -

Three Mountain West Conference athletic teams - Air Force football, BYU men's basketball and New Mexico women's tennis - have earned a Public Recognition Award from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for earning high scores in the latest Academic Progress Rate (APR) compilation.

The award is provided to those teams that have an NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate in the top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sport.

According to APR information submitted for the 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 academic years, the New Mexico women's tennis program earned a perfect 1,000 multiyear APR to capture the Public Recognition Award. The Lobos are coached by Kathy Kolankiewicz.

Led by Dave Rose, BYU men's basketball notched 994 APR points out of a possible 1,000. With 994, the Cougar hoopsters lead all BYU athletic teams in APR.

Air Force football, which is currently under the helm of Troy Calhoun, earned a multiyear APR of 975, 20 points above football programs at private institutions, and more than 40 points above all programs in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

According to a release issued by the NCAA, Public Recognition Award recipients have "demonstrated their commitment in the classroom and in their sport and are setting a great example for all students."