 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Exercising the Mind—Academic Athletes
"Hard work," she says. "Hard work and determination," adds Augustus's teammate Temeka Johnson, a graduate student. "You have to be determined to do what you really want to do. You can't get side-tracked. You have to be mentally strong because if not, you will break."
And graduation was a goal for Johnson, who had to sit out her freshman year because she did not meet the academic requirements to play. But with hard work and determination, the Lady Tiger made her way onto the court and across the stage at graduation. Johnson officially became an LSU graduate in August 2004, earning her bachelor's degree in general studies with minors in history, African-American studies, and sociology. She is currently taking graduate courses in business. Graduating Shaq Style
In graduating, O'Neal was aware that he was setting a positive example, especially for other student-athletes. "It teaches that education is always important," he explained prior to his graduation ceremony in 2000. He was correct. His graduation taught LSU student-athletes like Brandon Bass, a sophomore and starter on the LSU basketball team who chose to forego the NBA Draft after his freshman year, that "you can live your dream and still receive your education to help your future." Champs In the Classroom According to LSU's Dean of Students, Kevin Price, even if an athlete never competes professionally, athletics provides an excellent opportunity to obtain a degree. And Price should know, as LSU's graduation rate for student-athletes has increased over the past four years. The 2000 four-class average, which includes the 1994-1995, 1995-1996, 1996-1997, and 1997-1998 freshman classes, was 45 percent. The most recent four-class average in 2004 shows a 10 percent increase. Student-athletes are proving themselves to be successful in the classroom even before graduation. Out of 410 student-athletes, 218 or 59.3 percent, had a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher during the spring 2004 semester. Ninety-eight of those student-athletes were named to their college's Dean's Lists, and 30 achieved perfect 4.0 grade-point averages, making the Chancellor's Honor Roll. This is no easy task considering what a student-athlete's typical day looks like. Not-So Typical Day
"After practice, we have weights, conditioning, and rehab or treatment. By the time I shower and get home to have dinner, it's about eight o'clock. Then I have a couple hours to study and get homework done," Cowley continued. This cramped schedule makes being a student easier for Cowley. Structured days have helped her manage her time more effectively. "When I realize I only have a certain amount of time to get something done, I work harder and concentrate more because I know I have zero time to waste," she explained. Busy schedules keep LSU student-athletes from wasting time, but hard work and determination keep them from wasting the experience of attending a flagship university. With student-athlete graduation rates on the rise and national championships on their records, LSU student-athletes are champions on and off the field. Contact Erin Fink | Student Writer | LSU
University Relations Related Links Rodney Reed: LSU's Number Cruncher—LSU Highlight Spring 2004 Links within this story LSU MBA Program
|
|||||||||||||
After a tough practice on a Wednesday afternoon in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Seimone Augustus, a junior in marketing and Lady Tiger basketball player, rushes to lift weights with her teammates. How does she keep such a busy schedule, yet maintain success on the court and in the classroom? 
"When an athlete makes a decision to come to LSU, it's not a four or five-year decision, it's a lifetime decision. The primary role here is to graduate every athlete," explained LSU's Athletic Director, Skip Bertman. "There is a close correlation between championship teams and graduation." 
Johnson is not the first LSU athlete to make a "comeback" graduation. In December 2000, former LSU basketball player and current NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal earned his bachelor's degree in general studies. On graduation day, O'Neal walked across the stage wearing his XXXL black gown and handmade scarf reading, "Shaq Is Finished!" By graduating, O'Neal had kept a promise he'd made to his mother. LSU would also follow through on its promise. Soon after O'Neal's graduation, steps were taken to retire the star player's No. 33 jersey, as was promised by former athletic director Joe Dean. 
"Usually I have class from about 7:30 a.m. until noon. Then I rush home to eat lunch before I have to be at the gym around one o'clock to get ready for practice," explains Beth Cowley, an MBA student and LSU volleyball player. 
