May 8, 2009
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The release of the 2009 Academic Progress Rates by the NCAA on Wednesday evening brought great news for the University of Missouri. Mizzou led the Big 12 Conference in overall APR for their continued success in regards to eligibility and retention of its student-athletes.
The APR was developed by the NCAA in 2004 to measure the academic progress and performance of athletic programs at its member institutions. Out of Missouri's 20 programs, 14 ranked amongst the top three overall in the conference, while every single one of Mizzou's men's and women's programs were above the national average. On top of that, four Missouri programs led the Big 12 in APR, including the men's and women's swimming and diving programs. Only Oklahoma State, who registered five leading programs, had more.
The men's swimming and diving APR tallied in at 975 out of a possible 1000 points, ahead of the 967-point NCAA average. The women's program scored an APR of 993, well above the national average of 979.
The Missouri swimming and diving programs also scored big at the first-annual ROARS Awards Show, a new event that honored numerous student-athletes, coaches and professors who have made 2008-09 one of the most successful in Mizzou history.
Freshman Kayla Durnil won the “Female Highlight of the Year” award for her 200-meter breaststroke victory at the 2009 Big 12 Championships. The Columbia, Mo. native became just the third-ever women's Big 12 swimming champion and would go on to compete at the NCAA's.
Fellow freshman Christina Gailey was awarded with the “Female Courage Award,” given to someone who has overcome significant adversity to succeed in all areas as a student-athlete. Gailey broke onto the scene in her first season by posting top-10 all-time performances on all three boards, which includes the second-highest platform score in school history. Unfortunately, her freshman campaign was cut short due to an injury.
Other swimmers and divers who were nominated include: sophomore Keely Brooks for the “For the Love of the Game Award,” which is given to a walk-on who makes significant contributions to their team; junior Greg DeStephen for the “Male Highlight of the Year” award for his platform performance at the 2009 Big 12 Championships; freshman Jordan Morcom for the “Female Rookie of the Year” award; senior Coralie Baumann for the “Female Unsung Hero” award, given to someone who is a vital part of leadership to the team in a behind-the-scenes way; and senior Lori Halvorson for “Female Athlete of the Year.”