Laeng, Coufal Earn Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarships

Nebraska gymnast Jennie Laeng and wrestler Eric Coufal claimed Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarships, as the conference announced its annual recipients on Thursday.

The Big Ten awards $15,000 to each institution, and 28 student-athletes from the 14 Big Ten institutions who plan to continue their education at a graduate degree program were awarded the scholarships, based on primarily academic achievements. Students must have maintained at least a 3.2 grade-point-average, demonstrated leadership qualities, served as an excellent role model and intended to continue their academic work beyond their baccalaureate degree at a graduate degree program.

Laeng, who earned her bachelor's degree in psychology, carried a 3.967 GPA throughout her undergraduate career. She is a three-time NACGC/W Scholastic All-American, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. Laeng has been named to the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll seven times, and she was named a Nebraska Outstanding Scholar in 2017 as one of five NU student-athletes in their final year of eligibility who graduated while carrying a 3.90 or better GPA. The West Middlesex, Pa., native will begin work toward a master's degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health this fall.

Coufal, a Howells, Neb., native, graduated in May of 2016 with a 3.834 GPA in agribusiness with a minor in agribusiness entrepreneurship. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Coufal is a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar as well as a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. He is a nine-time member of the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll, including a pair of semesters with perfect 4.0 GPAs.