SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Southern Conference topped the national average in Academic Progress Report (APR) scores in 15 of 19 league sports for the second consecutive year, based on data released by the National Collegiate Athletic Association Wednesday (June 9). Nine of the ten men's sports sponsored by the conference had higher four-year APR scores than the national average, while six women's sports topped the average for Division I.
The NCAA's APR scores released Wednesday are multi-year rates based on scores from the 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09 academic years. The APR report is part of the NCAA's overall Division I academic reform effort.
"Academic success for student-athletes remains an integral part of the Southern Conference and these figures indicate we're in step with the missions of our member institutions," said Southern Conference Commissioner John Iamarino.
With a score of 977, the Southern Conference posted the 10th-highest league APR out of 31 Division I conferences. A total of 32 Southern Conference teams earned a perfect 1000 APR score. Twenty different women's teams in the SoCon garnered a perfect 1000, while 12 men's teams also earned the top score.
Women's Indoor Track and Field and women's cross country posted the best APR in the conference with a score of 984. Tennis earned the highest score on the men's side with a mark of 973.
SoCon Average Above NCAA Division I Average
Men's Sports SoCon APR National Average Baseball 960 954
Basketball 950 940
Cross Country 970 967
Football 952 944
Golf 971 969
Soccer 962 961
Tennis 973 966
Indoor Track 967 957
Outdoor Track 969 959
Women's Sports SoCon APR National Average
Basketball 982 966
Cross Country 984 974
Golf 982 981
Indoor Track 984 967
Outdoor Track 982 969
Volleyball 981 976