McGough Honored with Elite 88 Award

Nebraska rifle junior Ryann McGough was honored this week by the NCAA as an Elite 88 Award winner. She earned the award for having the highest cumulative grade-point average among all student-athletes competing at the NCAA Rifle Championships this season.

McGough, a standout in the classroom with five Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll appearances, has earned a 4.0 GPA in three semesters as a psychology major. McGough helped NU to a fifth-place team finish at the 2010 NCAA Rifle Championships. McGough is the first ever NCAA rifle competitior to receive the award, as this is the first year it has been handed out. 

The Elite 88 recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 88 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 88 championships.

All GPA's are based on a straight grading scale to ensure consistency among institutions. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and competing at the championship.