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Kent State Athletes Shatter Record for Highest GPA in Program History

The 2016 ������ Golden Flashes have shattered the record for the highest annual grade point average (GPA) in program history. They also broke the record for the most students with a perfect 4.0. 

Collectively, this year’s graduates posted a 3.264 grade point average (GPA) and were responsible for a combined 22 Mid-American Conference (MAC) regular season and tournament championships over the last four years. Also, out of the 425 student-athletes, 57 earned a 4.0 GPA - breaking the previous record of 41 students.

Other team records broken include:

• Baseball – highest in season GPA in program history 

• Men’s Basketball – 3rd highest GPA in program history 

• Women’s Basketball – two 4.0 students 

• Field Hockey – four consecutive semesters with a 3.4+ GPA

• Football – four students with 4.0 GPA, 37 percent of team with 3.0+ GPA 

• Men’s Golf – three men breaking their personal GPA record 

• Women’s Golf – 3rd highest GPA in program history 

• Women’s Soccer – 3rd highest GPA in program history, 7 students with 4.0 GPAs

• Softball – four students with a 4.0 GPA 

• Men’s Track & Field – highest in season GPA in program history, 2nd highest overall 

• Women’s Track & Field – 44 students above a 3.0, 12 students with 4.0 GPAs 

• Volleyball – 3rd highest spring term GPA in program history 

• Wrestling – two students on the President’s List; eight on the Dean’s List 


“We feel such a sense of pride witnessing our student-athletes achieve their goal of graduating,” said Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services . “In working closely with our student-athletes, our staff has fostered the Flash family atmosphere, which I believe helps student-athletes succeed.”

During the university’s Commencement, Kent State’s baseball team was in the midst of a three-game series against Bowling Green State University in which they swept the Falcons, clinching the MAC regular season title. To honor its graduates, the team held a ceremony prior to the game against Western Carolina University on May 20. Former Golden Flashes John Birkbeck, John Fasola, Andrew Sonnanstine and John Van Benschoten were among those honored after returning to Kent State to finish their degrees. Chuck Seacrist, who served as a coach for the Golden Flashes, also was honored as he completed his advanced nursing degree.

Kent State’s track and field teams were in Toledo competing for the Outdoor MAC Championships during the university’s Commencement ceremonies, as the men captured third place and the women captured fourth place. The team held its ceremony the night of May 11, honoring its graduates and those that will graduate in the summer or fall but are in their last season of eligibility.

The Kent State softball team held its own ceremony honoring its six graduates due to a possible schedule conflict with the MAC tournament. The team held its ceremony prior to the game against the University of Akron on May 7, before the Golden Flashes clinched the MAC regular season title with a 6-3 win over the Zips.

Baseball (8): John Birkbeck; John Fasola, Eric Lauer; Eli Martin; Jacob Neuschaefer; Andrew Sonnanstine; John Van Benschoten; Zarley Zalewski

Men’s Basketball (2): Chris Ortiz; Xavier Pollard

Football (8): Matt Dellinger; Tad France; Anthony Melchiori; Alex Nielsen; Kyle Payton; Colin Reardon; Reno Reda; Joe Ziccardi

Men’s Golf (1): Sebastian Bendsen

Men’s Cross Country/Track and Field (10): Justin Bailey; Roosevelt Dotson; Tyler Jones; Micheal King; Jesse Oxley; Kyle Schlumbohm; Jacob Swords; Donovan Tolbert; Connor Whelan; Joe Wisniewski

Wrestling (6): Tyler Buckwalter; Michael DePalma; Mack McGuire; Ian Miller; Del Vinas; Mike Vollant

Field Hockey (3): Kelly Baick; Caroline Corthouts; Alayna Harris

Women’s Golf (2): Amira Alexander; Josee Doyon

Women’s Gymnastics (2): Kayla Kosmerl; Rebecca Osmer

Women’s Soccer (3): Briana Bartolone; Madison Helterbran; Stephanie Senn

Softball (6): Nicki Cregan; Michele Duffy; Alyssa Frankenfield; Arika Roush; Shelbi Tilton; Erika Warren

Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field (11): Dior Delophont; Roseanne Erickson; Kaila Gardner; Rebecca Herte; Lakia Kent-Allen; Anna Lombardo; Audra Puckrin; Danniel Thomas; Mallory Vetter; Chanitta Westbrooks; Taylor Wickey

Volleyball (2): Kelly Hutchison; Bridget Wilhelm