BBCC athletes get a big, collective win

For Immediate Release
October 25, 2013
Contact: Doug Sly, 509-793-2003

A new banner is going up in the gym declaring the Big Bend Community College Vikings athletic teams are “number one” in academic achievement.

BBCC was notified this week its athletes won the inaugural Presidents Cup for academic achievement for 2012-13 awarded by the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAC).

BBCC won the award for small schools (offering seven sports or fewer) among 34 community colleges from Washington and Oregon.

“This highlights the quality of student athletes our coaches are recruiting and the success of BBCC’s academic and support programs,” said Preston Wilks, BBCC Athletic Director and women’s basketball coach.

BBCC President Terry Leas said the announcement is “wonderful news for our coaches, student athletes, and the people of the campus community who worked so hard to achieve this award.”

BBCC offers intercollegiate sports for men’s and women’s basketball, softball, baseball, and volleyball (five sports).

BBCC scored the most points based on a scoring system that includes degree and certificate completion, completion of 72 credits, completion of 36 credits, and grade point average.

BBCC competes in the East Region of the NWACC.  Those schools dominated the Presidents Cup final standings. Walla Walla Community won the award for large schools (offering eight or more sports). Of the eight finalists for large and small schools, five are from the East Region.

The Presidents Cup banner will be delivered to BBCC on Nov. 7 by NWAC Executive Director Marco Azurdia. College officials are planning a ceremony for hanging the banner in the gym.

NWAC Presidents Cup Final Standings

Note to Editors: The scores do NOT indicate grade point average. The scoring system is based on GPA, completion of credits, and completion of degrees and certificates.

Dick McClain Division (small schools)

1. Big Bend Community College        East Region        3.97
2. Blue Mountain Community College     East Region        3.50
3. Umpqua Community College        South Region    3.50
4. Wenatchee Valley College        East Region        3.42

Frank Bosone Division (large schools)

1. Walla Walla Community College    East Region        4.23
2. Clackamas Community College        South Region    3.50
3. Mt. Hood Community College        South Region    3.39
4. Community College of Spokane        East Region        3.26