THIBODAUX – The Nicholls State University football program posted the second highest APR score in the Southland Conference this year, finishing with a 954.

With the 954 rating, its marks the second straight year that head coach Charlie Stubbs' program has achieved a 950 or higher in the Academic Progress Rating.

The APR is part of an academic reform package established by the NCAA nine years ago – the goal of which is to improve classroom performance and graduation rates of student athletes by concentrating on athlete retention and eligibility.

“I am very pleased with our performance in the classroom this year,” said Coach Stubbs. “Our young men have worked hard to reach this level, but we still have room to improve. I will continue to stress academics until every last one of our players earn their degree.”

The Colonel football team had two players, Kerry Guidry and Jordan Hanberry, earn Southland Conference All-Academic last season.  This spring, 30 members registered at least a 3.0 grade point average, with five finishing with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Hanberry, a biology/pre-med major, was selected as the male Southland Scholar-Athlete of the Year for Nicholls after posting a cumulative 4.0 GPA.