4/5/99

ATHENS, Ohio -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association has ranked Ohio University No. 10 in the nation and tops in Ohio in its annual graduation rankings for football players graduating from colleges and universities.

The NCAA ranked Division I-A schools nationwide. Ohio's graduation rate of 76 percent was followed by Bowling Green State University at 70 percent (16th nationwide), Miami University at 64 percent (22nd), Toledo at 59 percent (35th), Cincinnatti at 48 percent (59th), Ohio State University at 41 percent (80th) and University of Akron at 25 percent (107th).

"This is a great environment for student athletes because the school has great programs," said Head Football Coach Jim Grobe. "Kids know they can't just come here to play football, they have to work hard to make it. That makes it a tough environment."

Patrick Rowe, director of student development for the Athletics Department, said direct involvement of Ohio University coaches with the athletes and their academic progress is crucial.

"This award shows that the commitment that the football coaches have made to the student athletes has made a big difference," Rowe said. "Student athletes approach athletics with the idea that they are students first and we try to reemphasize that."

Duke was tops nationwide with a 93 percent graduation rate, followed by Vanderbilt, Boston College and Northwestern.