Augusta University added 119 of its student athletes to the Peach Belt Conference honor roll for the 2020-2021 school year.
The presidential honor roll is released each year to honor athletes within the Peach Belt who were able to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher for the entire school year. The honor roll is divided into four groups: Athletes with a 3.0-3.24 GPA are considered presidential scholars; 3.25-3.49 are bronze scholars; 3.50-3.74 are silver scholars; and 3.75-4.0 are gold scholars.
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A total of 1,764 student athletes were placed on the honor roll this year; and this is the 11th consecutive year in which 1,000 or more athletes were recognized for their academic achievement. Of the 119 athletes selected from Augusta University, 39 were gold scholars; 31 were silver scholars; 30 were bronze scholars; and 19 were presidential scholars.
There were some slight changes to the honor roll for this year as the PBC elected only to include athletes who compete in at least one of the 16 NCAA championship sports that it offers.
One such athlete representing Augusta University was Rah’mere Williams, who runs track for the Jaguars. Williams was honored as a gold scholar this year for maintaining a 3.8 GPA. Williams runs in the 200, 400, and 4×4 400 relay for the Jaguars.
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“It feels incredible to be honored for what I did in the classroom this year. I worked incredibly hard to make the grades that I did, and it feels awesome to be recognized for that,” said Williams.
Williams is a 22-year-old graphic design major who transferred to Augusta University in order to run track and finish his degree.
Another Augusta athlete to make the honor roll was Robert Barlund. Barlund was also added to the list as a gold scholar for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA for the entire calendar year.
“I have always put school above my athletics, and to be recognized for that gives me a sense of accomplishment.” Barlund said.
Barlund is a 23-year-old computer science major from Finland and currently plays basketball for the Jaguars. Barlund also works part-time in the Academic Success Center where he tutors other students in mathematics disciplines such as statistics and calculus.
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“Between tutoring, basketball and schoolwork, I have a very busy schedule and it can be difficult to stay on top of it all at times. I worked very hard to achieve what I did and having the PBC recognize that means a lot,” Barlund said.
There were 117 other athletes who were recognized for their academic achievement and according to a statement by the Augusta University athletics office, athletic director Clint Bryant plans to acknowledge them all in the upcoming fall semester.
Jack Johnson is a Sports Intern with the The Augusta Press. Reach him at JACJOHNSON@augusta.edu.
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