Foley, Lakers receive academic honors

The Grand Valley State men’s and women’s cross country teams have been named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic teams. In addition, junior Kendra Foley has been named the USTFCCCA Female Scholar Athlete of the year.

The male and female scholar athletes of the year are the top-finishing runners at the NCAA Division II national championships, and fit the criteria for USTFCCCA academic honors. Runners must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25, and must finish in either the top 30 percent in their regional championships, or in the top half of the NCAA Championships.

Foley placed sixth in regionals and second at the championships, just missing first place and a repeat individual championship. Foley currently has a 3.445 GPA as a communication and sport leadership major.

In order to be on the academic team list, a given team must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and score at the NCAA Championships. Both the men’s and women’s team finished with cumulative GPAs of 3.448.

Men’s volleyball wins two, loses two

Grand Valley State men’s club volleyball team won games against Western Michigan and Toledo, but lost against Michigan and Michigan State in four games played at Fieldhouse Arena on Feb. 20.

The Lakers took the first two games of the day, but ended the day on a losing note. The blue team lost to Michigan in two sets, and despite an 8-0 run at the end of the match, the blue team faltered in its last game against the Spartans.

Future games have not been announced on the team’s official website.

GVSU alumnus Skuta faces uncertain future

Former Grand Valley State and current Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Dan Skuta has been the subject of rumors that the veteran could be released. Skuta, who’s 2015 season was marred with injuries and inconsistent play, currently fits in at the Jaguars “Otto” linebacker position.

Should the 29-year-old get cut, it would save the Jaguars $3.6 million in cap space, but would leave a big gap at the “Otto” position. Skuta finished last season with 32 total tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in his first year in Jacksonville, Florida.

Skuta was the Lakers’ all-time sack leader before defensive end Matt Judon took the record in the 2015 season, with 34 quarterback takedowns in his career.