Latham, NY- The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) is proud to announce its fall 2017 Scholar-Athlete teams. This is the 26th year the NYSPHSAA has conducted the Scholar-Athlete program, which is sponsored by Pupil Benefits Plan, Inc.

The fall, NYSPHSAA recognized 3,373 Scholar-Athlete teams and 46,480 individuals. The figures represent a 14.65 percent (431 more teams) and 9.27 percent (3,945 individuals) increase compared to Fall 2016 in honoring teams and individuals who attain a 90.0 GPA or greater. Starting in 2016, the NYSPHSAA adjusted its criteria to recognize individuals with a 90.0 GPA or greater whose athletic team did not qualify as a Scholar-Athlete team. Furthermore, the criteria was adjusted to allow for “small” teams to be recognized and 75 percent of a team’s roster be considered when determining a team’s average GPA.

“We would like to congratulate our student-athletes and member schools,” said Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “We are extremely proud of this program which recognizes the student-athletes who excel in the classroom. Seeing such an increase in scholar-athlete teams and individuals this year, just shows how much NYSPHSAA student-athletes are committed to their education.”

The Evening Sun congratulates the following teams in our area for receiving the honor:

Afton: Boys Cross Country, Boys Soccer, Field Hockey, and Girls Cross Country.

Bainbridge-Guilford: Boys Golf, Boys Soccer, Football, Girls Soccer, and Girls Volleyball.