MOUNT PLEASANT — The success of the Central Michigan gymnastics program has carried over into the classroom once again.

Seven Chippewa gymnasts were placed on the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women (NACGC/W) Scholar-Athlete Team and CMU earned academic recognition as a team after posting a 3.26 grade-point average during the spring semester.

Andrea de la Garza (3.71 GPA/health fitness major), Kari Dieffenderffer (4.0/health fitness), Emily LaFontaine (3.63/English), Katie Simon (3.91/therapeutic recreation), Samantha Ursch (3.58/sport studies), Kristin Teubner (3.74/health fitness) and Darrian Tissenbaum (3.74/biomedical sciences) represent the Maroon and Gold on the squad.

The Chippewas’ seven scholar-athlete selections are the most for the program since the 2002 season.
 
“I am very proud of the academic accomplishments of the team,” head coach Jerry Reighard said. “I have always stressed academics and I am pleased we had the commitment from these seven to be in the upper echelon of the NCAA academically.”

To qualify for the team, gymnasts must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better through the 2010 spring semester.

Central Michigan went 20-5 and won its 11th Mid-American Conference title before finishing fourth at the NCAA Central Regional Championships in 2010. The Chippewas finished the year ranked 23rd in the nation.