Wheeling, WV. Aug. 12, 2013 – The Wheeling Jesuit swimming program earned College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Scholar All-American Team accolades for the spring semester and three swimmers received individual accolades.

The Cardinals men's and women's teams each posted 3.13 grade point averages in the spring semester. The Cardinals were among the top 20 teams in the CSCAA, while the Lady Cardinals were among the top 50 teams in the rankings.

In addition, Tom Smith, a 2013 graduate, senior Henrique Fruchuozo from Brazil and sophomore Vanessa Gipson of Pittsburgh received CSCAA Scholar All-American honorable mention awards.

According to second year Head Coach Mike Meyer, this is the second straight semester the men's team gained the honor.

“This is exciting for both teams. To get 20 teammates to average a GPA that high is pretty impressive,” Meyers said. “I'm proud of the team and I know they are proud that all their hard work in the classroom paid off.”

Meyers noted the importance of success in the classroom and stresses that to the current crop of swimmers, as well as prospects and their parents.

“Yes it's important that they swim fast in the pool. However, we make it clear to each athlete - first and foremost, each is at Wheeling Jesuit to earn a degree. Success in the classroom is very important,” he added.

This past season, the men's team won its fourth-consecutive Appalachian Swimming Conference title, while the Lady Cards captured a second place finish at the meet. In addition, six members of the men's squad captured championships while seven women won individual honors.

ABOUT WJU: U.S.News & World Report and other organizations consistently rank Wheeling Jesuit University as one of America's top regional colleges. Established in 1954, WJU is the youngest Jesuit institution of higher learning in the United States and the only Catholic institution of higher learning in West Virginia. Its Jesuit tradition of academic excellence and service to others draws a global student body of more than 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students from 28 states and more than 25 countries. Wheeling Jesuit is home to 20 varsity sports teams.