Sept. 30, 2016 Villanova, Pa. -
Villanova Athletics has been named the 2016 recipient of the Character Achievement Award presented by the Pennsylvania Charter Consortium and CITRS, Inc.
This award recognizes Villanova's Athletic Department for its outstanding work in developing the moral and performance character of its coaches, administration, and student-athletes; holding itself to the highest standards of organizational integrity, excellence, service, sportsmanship, and teamwork; and providing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with an exceptional standard of character for all to see.
Villanova Athletics is coming off a year of many great successes. Academically, Villanova student-athletes posted an overall grade point average of 3.22 in the fall semester and 3.28 in the spring semester. The spring of 2016 marked the 26th consecutive semester in which Villanova student-athletes averaged a 3.0 GPA or better. Thomas Trainer (Track & Field) was the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship. Rob Denault (Men's Cross Country/Track & Field) was named a Capital One Academic All-American, while 16 student-athletes were recognized nationally in their respective sports for academic success.
The moment that stood out unfurled at NRG Stadium in Houston last April with 4.7 seconds to play in a tie game. After some housecleaning work by senior forward Daniel Ochefu, who grabbed a mop to wipe the floor of some moisture before the final sequence began, senior guard and four year captain Ryan Arcidiacono advanced the ball up the court and then found an open Kris Jenkins trailing the play after having inbounded the ball. Jenkins calmly knocked down a 3-pointer to give the Wildcats their second NCAA crown.
During the fall semester, the Volleyball squad enjoyed its best campaign in a generation, posting 25 victories, including a 14-4 mark in BIG EAST action. Its appearance in the NCAA Tournament was only its second in program history and first since 1997. The women's cross country team also enjoyed a robust fall, earning an at large bid to the NCAA Championship. Freshman Bella Burda and sophomore Siofra Cleirigh Buttner were both named first team All-BIG EAST. On the men's side, Patrick Tiernan was runner-up at the NCAA Championships and named an All-American, becoming the first male runner in conference history to win three straight individual BIG EAST titles.
The Villanova women's swimming & diving team won its third consecutive BIG EAST title in 2015-16, while the men's indoor track & field team claimed its third consecutive BIG EAST championship as well, claiming seven events and 28 All-BIG EAST honors.
The Wildcats also broke another record during the 2015-16 academic year. Villanova student-athletes collectively completed 3,123.5 hours of community service, the most ever. From St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service, to hosting the largest Special Olympics Event in Pennsylvania, and MLK Day of Service, the Villanova student-athletes gave back to the community in many different ways.
Athletic Director, Mark Jackson, will accept this award on behalf of Villanova Athletics on Monday, October 3rd. The banquet will be held at the Philadelphia County Club in Gladwyne, Pa.
