Peninsula student-athletes earn WIAA academic tribute

Dorothy Alfonso

Special to the Gateway

All nine of Peninsula High School’s fall sports teams have qualified for Washington Interscholastic Activities Association academic honors, a first for the school.

Each program earned a 3.0 grade-point average or higher — an accomplishment that isn’t an easy feat, PHS Athletic Director Curtiss Hall said.

“Of course the season is far from over, but so far, our fall teams are doing quite well on the ‘field,’ ” Hall said. “In the classroom, they are doing extremely well. It is unique to have all varsity teams qualify for academic awards.”

Three teams earned Outstanding Award honors. The Seahawks’ girls cross country team led the way with a combined 3.87 GPA. Girls golf (3.77) and boys tennis (3.58) rounded out the top three.

Distinguished Awards were presented to girls volleyball (3.47), boys golf (3.11), boys cross country (3.35), girls soccer (3.38), girls swimming and diving (3.32) and football (3.10).

There is a prominent correlation between athletic and scholastic success, Peninsula Principal Tim Winter said.

“I think sports and athletics are very much related,” he said. “Not that one automatically comes with the other, but success in the classroom and on the athletic field are key indicators of a culture of high expectations for all.”

All members will receive WIAA certificates to commemorate the awards.