MACOMB, Ill. – Did you know Western Illinois University's student-athletes enjoyed a fall semester where their academic efforts were equally as exciting as what they displayed on their respective playing fields?
 
For the 21st consecutive semester, Leatherneck student-athletes recorded a grade point average (3.122) higher than the general student body's (3.03).
 
"I am very proud of their academic performance this past fall," said Holly Van Vlymen, Western's Assistant Athletic Director for Academics and Student-Athlete Development. "Our student-athletes understand that they are student's first and are dedicated to a high level of achievement within the classroom.  Our coaches have built a strong culture within their teams, reflecting WIU's core value of Academic Excellence."
 
Fall 2017 also captured the fourth straight semester where WIU's student-athletes have achieved a GPA above a 3.1.
 
Van Vlymen proudly announced these stats Friday afternoon: 

• 36 Leathernecks boasted a perfect 4.0 GPA
• 119 Leathernecks earned over a 3.6  
• 234 Leathernecks recorded a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Women's tennis notched the highest term GPA with a 3.774 while cross country held the honor for the men with a 3.319.

Following tennis, basketball (3.712), golf (3.670) and softball (3.532) rounded out the top four GPAs held by a women's team. Swimming (3.223), soccer (3.212) and basketball (3.188) completed the top four field on the men's side.