104 athletes earn Academic All-Big Ten honors

Growing up, Ethan Wilson always tried to achieve high grades in school, in part because he thought it would present promising opportunities once he got to college.

“My parents have always harped on getting good grades and hoped that it will pay off for us in college, and it kind of helps,” Wilson said.

It certainly has for Wilson. The junior baseball player was one of 104 IU athletes named to the Spring Academic All-Big Ten Team, an increase from the 83 chosen in spring 2009. To be eligible for the Academic All-Big Ten Team, students must be in their second academic year, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and letter in their sport. This year the Big Ten selected a total of 1,037 athletes.

“Indiana University could not be more proud of this accomplishment,” IU Athletic Director Fred Glass said in a press release.

Athletes at IU have a heavy responsibility in the classroom as well as with participation in their respective sports. According to the NCAA academic requirements, student-athletes are obligated to take at least six credit hours per semester. This can be a daunting task if they are not fully prepared to handle it.

However, student-athletes are given ample resources to help with their studies. Tutors are available for student-athletes who miss classes because of practice or away games or who might just need some extra help.

“The tutors are a great idea — they can help a lot when you are on the road and miss classes,” senior tennis player Lachlan Ferguson said.

Many student-athletes find that with proper planning, dedication and the occasional tutor assistance they can be successful in both athletics and academics.

“I don’t think it’s too hard, really,” Wilson said. “It’s just time management. I’m not a big social guy — most of my time is spent on academics.”

The ability to get high grades on top of balancing both an academic and athletic career is commendable, especially when large portions of teams achieve it at the same time, as the track team did this spring.

The men’s and women’s team combined posted 44 of the 104 athletes selected to the Academic All-Big Ten team. 

Track and field coach Ron Helmer is pleased the individuals chosen are living up to their obligations as student-athletes, but not shocked, as it is something that he has come to expect from all his team members.

“I’m incredibly proud of the fact that we have large numbers of kids achieving academically, as we have asked them to try to do,” Helmer said. “We expect our athletes to give the appropriate level of effort and to do an outstanding job in the classroom, and some choose to do that and some choose not to do that.”

The track and field selections increased from 2009, going from 34 total to 44.
With the annual release of the Academic All-Big Ten Team, more positive attention is being paid to student-athletes’ achievements in the classroom.

“Recognition is always nice — it gives you something to show for your hard work,” Ferguson said. “I think the best thing about it for me, though, is it gives me an indication of where I’m at.” 

This isn’t the first time Ferguson has been recognized for academic achievement. Last year he was named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District Second Team as well as being named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. This year’s Academic All-America honorees will be announced June 8 and June 24 for the men’s and women’s teams, respectively.

The national media often will portray student-athletes as just athletes and don’t always incorporate much about their academic achievements. Those who made the Academic All-Big Ten Team appreciate the acknowledgement.

“I feel like some people don’t get credit where credit is due,” Wilson said. “It’s not the easiest thing to do to maintain academics and sports. At times you have very hectic schedules, and you are on the road late, don’t get much sleep, studying on the bus. So I feel like credit needs to be given where it’s due.”