Central Michigan University Athletics
Second semester starts with victories, good news
1/15/2018 12:00:00 AM | General, Fire Up Chats
Jan. 15, 2018
As we begin 2018, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge a bit of sad news from 2017. With the passing of Dick Enberg, we lost a true legend who is woven into the very fabric of this university.
Dick Enberg's story, in many ways, is the story of so many Chippewas. A man from humble beginnings who was given an opportunity in Mount Pleasant and, with alma mater always supporting him, earned his place among the giants in the world of sports broadcasting. We lost a great man, a generous benefactor, but also, a friend. Dick will be missed, but will never be forgotten, and we look forward to celebrating his life and legacy in 2018 and beyond.
The start of a new year signals the start of a new semester. As our students return to campus, they breathe a kind of new life into Mount Pleasant and remind us all why we're in this profession.
Like our staff, I cherished the opportunity to spend time with friends and family over the holidays, but with all the great things in front of us, I couldn't wait to hit the ground running this semester.
If you haven't been to McGuirk Arena in the past couple of weeks, I'd encourage you to get your tickets to see any and all of our winter sports programs compete to avoid missing what could be a special 2018. Our women's basketball program is white hot as it has begun MAC play undefeated. Our men's basketball team, while young, is quickly establishing an identity of playing team basketball on both ends of the floor and should be a major player in the MAC.
After a tremendous third place showing at the Midland's over the holidays, which included an individual champion in Mason Smith at 141, CMU wrestling is poised to do great things on the mat as we move into the heart of the MAC dual schedule. Last, but certainly not least, our gymnastics program opened the season with a record-breaking 196.375 and is ranked third in the country.
The start of a new year offers an opportunity to reflect on all that we accomplished in 2017. As an athletics department, our primary charge is to do all we can to position our student-athletes for success in the classroom. Here are just a few highlights from the fall semester:
- Our student-athletes earned a semester grade point average of a 3.216 marking the 38th consecutive semester of a 3.00 or higher
- 306 of our student-athletes earned a 3.00 or higher for the semester
- 152 of our student-athletes currently maintain a cumulative 3.50 grade point average and will be invited to the Ferrantino Academic Excellence Banquet in January
- 18 of our student-athletes had a perfect 4.00 for the semester and will be named to the President's List
- Our student-athletes cumulative grade point average currently stands at a 3.200
I'd like to specifically thank Associate AD/Student-Athlete Services Tera Albrecht and her team for their exceptional work.
I would also like to share my excitement on one other item in 2017 pertaining to our football program and the contract extension for Coach Bono. John is a true Chippewa who represents our values on and off the field. Coach has earned this extension and, like many of you, I am excited to see where this program is heading under his leadership.
We have good reason to be proud of the work that we've done in 2017, but it is my goal to use them as a springboard into 2018. In the first three months of this year I will travel everywhere from Florida to Washington D.C. to Texas and many points in between in an effort to build support and tell the amazing story of CMU Athletics.
My best wishes for a happy and healthy 2018 to you all.
Fire Up Chips!
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