Former Buckeye student-athletes rank second in nation in NCAS Degree Completion Program

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State was recognized Monday by the National Consortium of Academics and Sports (NCAS) for ranking second nationally in the 2006-07 academic year in former student-athletes returning and completing their undergraduate degrees.

Of 224 member schools that participate in the NCAS Degree Completion Program (DCP), Ohio State is one of 59 named to the 2008 DCP Honor Roll for its dedication to former student-athletes completing their undergraduate degrees and serving the campus and Columbus communities.

Ohio State formally was recognized Monday in Orlando, Fla., at the 2008 NCAS Conference.

Ohio State is one of six Big Ten universities to offer DCP. The program offers former student-athletes the opportunity to return, with tuition assistance, to finish their higher education after exhausting their athletic eligibility. Each qualified returning OSU student-athlete receives tuition reimbursement for their involvement with university and community service programs.

Ohio State, which has participated in the program since 1994, boasts more than 100 former Buckeyes who have come back to complete their undergrad coursework and earn a degree, including former men's basketball standout Clark Kellogg (1980-82), the university's first student-athlete to join the program.

Recent former Ohio State student-athletes to fulfill the NCAS Degree Completion program include Butler By’not’e (1990-93) and Mike Nugent (2001-04) of past Ohio State football teams. Nate Guenin (2003-06), Mike McCormick (1999-02) and Scott May (2001-04) from men’s hockey also have completed the NCAS program through Ohio State. Jennifer Selfinger, of women’s golf, earned her degree in 2006.

By’not’e currently is a color analyst for Big Ten Network college football broadcasts. After completing his career as a running back and Big Ten track relay champion at Ohio State, By’not’e played for the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. Nugent, an All-American at Ohio State, currently is the place kicker for the NFL’s New York Jets. He received his business degree last June.

Guenin, McCormick and May all are playing professional hockey. Geunin spent time with the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League this season and May is with Binghamton of the American Hockey League. McCormick received his sociology degree in December. He currently plays for a German professional team.

“Coming back to Ohio State was important to me because I wanted to finish up,” McCormick said. “When I was offered a chance to play in the German League a few years ago, I only had one quarter of classes to finish. I contacted Ohio State about the degree completion program it offers its former student-athletes.”

At Ohio State, DCP participants act as mentors to Columbus youth. They visit local schools to discuss the importance of staying in school and continuing their education. They also function as proctors at OSU student-athlete study tables and mentors for freshmen student-athletes.

“As part of the program, you are required to log 100 hours of work,” McCormick said. “I completed my hours tutoring at student-athlete study tables. It really took me back because I was able to meet some of the current Buckeye hockey players like freshmen Peter Boyd and Ryan Markell.”

As former Buckeyes continue to graduate, more look to the program for aid in achieving their degrees.

“We believe there is a lot of value to having the former student-athletes on our campus,” Miechelle Willis, senior associate athletics director of student services and sports administration, said. “Not only do we get the chance to help them finish what they started, but we believe our current student-athletes benefit as well. Many times the returning athletes have opportunities to interact with our current student-athletes to share their experiences and to share why they feel it was important for them to come back. All are great lessons for our students.”

George Reese (1999-2000), formerly of the men's basketball team, and Jeremy Wurtzman (2002-04) of men's tennis also have opted into the DCP. Reese plays professionally in Poland. Wurtzman is an assistant coach at Denver University. Former Buckeye football players Marcus Green (2002-05), Mike Kudla (2002-05) and Michael Wiley (1996-99) also are currently enrolled in DCP at Ohio State. In addition, Christian Snavely, who played baseball at Ohio State from 2001-03, is currently participating in DCP.

To be considered for this program at Ohio State, former student-athletes must have a 2.00 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA) and have 45 or fewer degree hours remaining to qualify for the program. Once accepted, they must achieve a quarter GPA of 2.00, maintain a 2.00 cumulative GPA and show good work performance to receive tuition assistance. As part of the program, a counselor from Ohio State's Student-Athlete Support Services Office (SASSO) creates an academic plan and offers free tutoring for the returning student to help them stay on schedule.