Central Michigan University Athletics
Basketball Signee Brown Graduates Class Valedictorian
7/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
MOUNT PLEASANT — Being a student-athlete requires the ability to find a balance between the rigors of academia and athletics. Few incoming freshmen have been able to excel as completely at both as Tyler Brown.
A 6-7 forward who will suit up for the CMU basketball team this winter, Brown achieved the ultimate academic honor at Eau Claire North High School: a 4.0 grade-point average. The mark put the Eau Claire, Wis. native on center stage at his commencement as one of eight valedictorians from his senior class.
“It was difficult staying on top of my classes with the demands of being a varsity athlete,” Brown said. “It helps that I retain instruction well, but it also took a lot of work.”
Education was a top priority for the Chippewas’ emerging post player and his family. You could say it was in his blood.
“My parents always encouraged me to do the best that I can and remain focused on my studies,” Brown said. “My older sister also set an example for me to follow. She was a valedictorian as well.”
Brown was no slouch on the court either. The forward flashed his talents on the hardwood regularly, earning fourth team all-state honors from the Associated Press and honorable mention all-state from the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association following his senior campaign in which he averaged over 13 points per game. He also made the Academic All-State teams in both basketball and baseball. His talent and size along with his commitment to academics earned him a scholarship to CMU.
“Being as active as I was athletically, I had to manage my time well,” Brown said. “I would read textbooks and do homework assignments on the bus while others may have been talking or goofing off. It was tempting to use my down time to just relax or play video games, but it was ingrained in me to take care of my school work first.”
Despite his continuing obligations to Central Michigan, Brown can still take the time to appreciate what he has already accomplished even as he makes the transition to college coursework and Division I athletics.
“Graduating as valedictorian is a great feeling that will stay with me all my life,” Brown said. “It is very rewarding to get that honor. Now I am at another level in college and I will try my best to carry that success over to CMU.”
A 6-7 forward who will suit up for the CMU basketball team this winter, Brown achieved the ultimate academic honor at Eau Claire North High School: a 4.0 grade-point average. The mark put the Eau Claire, Wis. native on center stage at his commencement as one of eight valedictorians from his senior class.
“It was difficult staying on top of my classes with the demands of being a varsity athlete,” Brown said. “It helps that I retain instruction well, but it also took a lot of work.”
Education was a top priority for the Chippewas’ emerging post player and his family. You could say it was in his blood.
“My parents always encouraged me to do the best that I can and remain focused on my studies,” Brown said. “My older sister also set an example for me to follow. She was a valedictorian as well.”
Brown was no slouch on the court either. The forward flashed his talents on the hardwood regularly, earning fourth team all-state honors from the Associated Press and honorable mention all-state from the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association following his senior campaign in which he averaged over 13 points per game. He also made the Academic All-State teams in both basketball and baseball. His talent and size along with his commitment to academics earned him a scholarship to CMU.
“Being as active as I was athletically, I had to manage my time well,” Brown said. “I would read textbooks and do homework assignments on the bus while others may have been talking or goofing off. It was tempting to use my down time to just relax or play video games, but it was ingrained in me to take care of my school work first.”
Despite his continuing obligations to Central Michigan, Brown can still take the time to appreciate what he has already accomplished even as he makes the transition to college coursework and Division I athletics.
“Graduating as valedictorian is a great feeling that will stay with me all my life,” Brown said. “It is very rewarding to get that honor. Now I am at another level in college and I will try my best to carry that success over to CMU.”
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