For the 11th time in 13 years — and the fifth season in a row — the Staples boys soccer program has been honored with a national award for academic excellence.
The 2012 Staples boys soccer team, winner of its 11th Academic All-America award in 13 years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair photo
The National Soccer Coaches Association of America gave the Wreckers a Team Academic Award — one of only two boys soccer teams in Connecticut to be so named.
To qualify, a squad must have a 3.25 grade point average of all varsity players. The award is given for the previous academic year. In 2012, Staples’ varsity players had an average GPA of just a fraction over 3.36. Of the Wreckers’ 11 Academic All-America awards, that was one of the highest average GPAs.
“I’ve always said that our players are some of the smartest and most creative people at Staples,” said head coach Dan Woog.
“We want our guys to be as strong in the classroom as they are on the field. What’s especially gratifying about this award is that it’s won as a team. I’m proud that the NSCAA recognizes our team as one that strives for academic excellence.”
The Wreckers are not only strong scholastically, of course. The 2012 team had an excellent year, losing in the state tournament to eventual champion Norwalk. Woog said that the 2013 side should also qualify for the Academic All-American honor.
