The Allegheny Advantage:

At Allegheny, the "student" in student-athlete does more than precede "athlete." At Allegheny, they are respected for wearing both hats -- managing rigorous academic challenges and meeting the demands of highly competitive athletic programs. This balancing act requires time-management skills, careful planning and a strong sense of values, yet it is accomplished every year.

Professors realize the special commitment required by athletics, and many faculty are among the most avid supporters of Gator teams.

Allegheny is especially proud to be a college where students can compete and succeed in more than one sport and in other areas of campus life, while still excelling in the classroom.

"Allegheny students epitomize the philosophy of Division III athletics. These are men and women who combine the best elements of mind and body to achieve success in both the classroom and on the playing fields," says professor of economics and faculty athletic representative Janine Sickafuse.

The Gator softball program has had two GTE Academic All-Americans in the last four seasons -- outfielder Abby Kennedy in 1996 and infielder Tara Dickert in 1995. Kennedy, a magna cum laude graduate, is currently pursuing a master's degree in chemistry at the University of Arizona.

"Allegheny is ideal for the student-athlete," says Dickert, who was an All-American infielder as well as an Academic All-American. "It offers a diversified curriculum that challenges you to succeed. The professors and coaches show a tremendous amount of support and guidance both in and out of the classroom.

"On the softball field you are also faced with challenges, beginning with the spring trip to Florida, where we play many other nationally ranked teams," she continues. "Then, we return home to face quality teams, and travel to some of the best tournaments in the East."

"Allegheny taught me to set my goals high and to work to achieve them."