While finishing the season ranked a respectable 27th of 41 teams, LSU Hockey is taking home top honors in one important category this season...Academics. The Tigers, in just their second full season, lead all SEC schools with a total of seven ACHA Academic All-Americans. The Tigers are second only to Georgia Tech, who leads with eight.
“It’s a great accomplishment for our guys to showcase the quality of the academic programs at LSU while balancing their commitments to a growing ice hockey program” said LSU Head Coach Leonard Alsfeld. “However, if you look at the subjects these guys are studying, it exemplifies just how hard these guys challenge themselves in the classroom.”
Seniors Clark Alsfeld, Brandon Hicks, and Corey Rougelot are all continuing on to medical school to become doctors. Senior Kyle Morgan, who helped start the team two years ago before studying in England for a year, is headed to graduate school in Psychology. Senior Alex Whelan currently works in the Life Sciences laboratories and will graduate with his degree in Biochemistry.
Of the seven players recognized, the squad actually produced two C’s. Team Captains Rusty Ware and Mike Mayeux were also recognized for their academic efforts. Ware is a year away from completing his PhD in Kinesiology and Mayeux is a Junior excelling in Mass Communications. “Leadership in academics makes a strong statement for the leadership all of these players show with the team” said Alsfeld. “As we continue to build our program, having these young men succeed in the classroom builds a strong foundation for LSU’s success both on and off the ice for years to come.”
As the flagship institution for the state, LSU has long been recognized for a rich intellectual environment and distinctive educational programs that are rooted in the unique culture, history, and geography of Louisiana. The quality of LSU’s academics is reflected in the number of nationally ranked programs and nationally recognized scholars at LSU. Since its first commencement in 1869, LSU has awarded nearly 200,000 degrees. That number continues to grow and includes some of the nation’s best and brightest graduates.
In addition to being a nationally recognized academic institution, LSU has won 45 team national championships, 41 of which are recognized by the NCAA, tying them for 5th all time in total national championships.