ATHLETES FOR SOUTHEAST SHINE IN CLASSROOM, TOO

Academic scandals seem all too frequent in college athletics. In fact, of the hundreds of schools with intercollegiate sports teams, only a handful are ever implicated in academic shenanigans, especially those arising from outright institutional negligence. But these cases make all the headlines. That makes it all the more necessary to sing the praises of universities that give full meaning to the term student-athlete. At Southeast Missouri State University, athletes hold their own on the sporting fields and in the classroom, something the school and community should take pride in.

In a report presented to the Board of Regents last week, Southeast athletes were said to graduate at the same rate as the rest of the student body, about 44 percent, in a five-year academic cycle. Female athletes have a significantly higher graduation rate than their male counterparts (61 percent to 36 percent), but that pattern is also consistent with the student population as a whole.

Making this all the more impressive is the fact that Southeast athletic teams have shone so brightly in their sporting endeavors. Over the period of time studied (1985-90), Southeast teams won 36 conference championships, had 16 teams finish in the final four of national competition, had 16 athletes win individual national titles and totaled 135 All-America awards for individual achievements.

Student-athletes have significant amounts of time taken from their schedules for practice and travel, placing a burden on them that most students don't face. However, it might be argued that these athletes, attuned to the discipline required of their sports, are compelled to better organize their time and offset this factor. Their experience in often high-pressure, competitive situations might also pay dividends in their academic pursuits; the benefit of athletics not only shows up in a box score but also in the way it affects those who participate.

The administration and coaches at Southeast should be commended for keeping their eye on the ball in terms of keeping these athletes in line with their academic pursuits. The university is making the leap this year to Division I athletics, a major step in the life of the institution. While the competition will be stiffer, let's hope the Indians and Otahkians take with them this same integrity for remaining strong both scholastically and athletically.