JONESBORO (4/11/12) - In conjunction with National Student-Athlete Day, the Arkansas State Department of Athletics spent time throughout the Red Wolves' baseball game Tuesday night honoring all members of its 16 NCAA sports for achieving excellence in academics and athletics while making significant contributions to the community.

Prior to the game, ASU student-athletes gathered at Tomlinson Stadium for a cookout and fellowship with one another, coaches and administration.  The student-athletes were introduced as a group over the PA and recognized for some of their notable recent accomplishments between innings.

"It was a great night at the ballpark for all our student-athletes," said ASU Associate Athletic Director for Student Services Stacey Willmott.  "Everyone enjoyed the cookout and were there to support our baseball team.  Special thanks to all the staff and SAAC members who helped to make this an awesome way to recognize our student-athletes for National Student-Athlete Day."

Academically, a school-record 186 ASU student-athletes achieved at  least a 3.0 grade point average to place them on a recent Athletic Director's Honor Roll.  One in four A-State student-athletes are achieving a 3.5 GPA and one in eight hold a 4.0.  Additionally, 154 student-athletes were named to the most recent Sun Belt Conference Commissioner's List or Academic Honor Roll.

A-State finished third in the most recent Bubas Cup standings for its best results in the all-sports award for the Sun Belt Conference in over a decade.  The Red Wolves finished fourth in the 2010 standings for a six-place turnaround over the previous year.

The Red Wolves also continue to have a strong presence in the community.  All A-State teams spend time in various capacities to make a lasting impact in Northeast Arkansas and beyond, including participation in national community-service events associated with organizations such as March of Dimes, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, United Way and many more.  In addition to many other local events, A-State also hosts an annual "Senior Prom" that has gained national exposure in years past through the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and NCAA News.