Hobart, Ruddy recognized for academic excellence

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—For the third time in the past four seasons, the Hobart College basketball team has been recognized for efforts in the classroom. The Statesmen were one of 191 basketball programs from NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA to post a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher during the 2017-18 academic year, earning the National Basketball Coaches Association Team Academic Excellence Award. Additionally, Luke Ruddy '18 was named to the NABC Honors Court for the second year in a row. The Honors Court recognizes juniors and seniors that have a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher during the academic year. "We're very proud of our student-athletes' hard work and these awards are a great honor," Head Coach Tim Sweeney said. "Receiving this recognition is a direct reflection of the dedication our team shows to working to be their best, both on the court and in the classroom." Hobart was one of just three Liberty League teams to earn the Team Academic Excellence Award this year, joined by Clarkson, and Union. The Statesmen also earned the team award in 2017 and 2015. A team captain, Ruddy helped the Statesmen to a 67-37 record (.644) during his four seasons on campus. This year, he led Hobart to a 21-5 record, raising the program record for season winning percentage to .808. The Statesmen won the 2017-18 Liberty League regular season championship with a 16-2 mark in conference play. Ruddy graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in geoscience. He is a two-time recipient of Hobart's Arnold Scholar-Athlete Award and a three-time Liberty League All-Academic Team member. Ruddy is enlisting in the Coast Guard and begins boot camp in September. On the court, Ruddy earned the team's rookie award in 2015, garnered the 2016 most improved award, the Kent Butler '54 Memorial Award, and took home the 2018 Statesmen Basketball Award for his superior scholarship and leadership. Ruddy was also the inaugural recipient of the RFK Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year Award presented at this year's Block H Dinner. During his career, Ruddy appeared in 103 games, starting 52. He scored 516 points and grabbed 366 rebounds with 75 assists. Ruddy scored a career-high 16 points at Union in 2016 and collected a career-high 13 rebounds four days later against Rensselaer. Ruddy was the only senior on last year's roster. The Statesmen return all five starters and open the 2018-19 season on Nov. 16-17 in the Franklin & Marshall Tournament.