By Maurice Patton

Loretto’s high school program was one of four recognized statewide by the American Baseball Coaches Association for its academic performance over the 2019-20 school year.

The Mustangs received their third consecutive ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award this week, as one of 428 high school, junior college and college programs so honored.

“It’s a big honor for our guys,” former Loretto coach Gary Lamm said. “It shows they’re getting it done in the classroom as much as on the field. We’re very fortunate that their ability is showing up there as well.

“It’s important for these guys to be recognized for their work in the classroom. It’s good that they’re striving to be the best they can be.”

The annual honors go to programs coached by ABCA members that post a team grade-point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for the entire academic year.

“In light of the challenges faced by so many programs across the country, we are humbled to be able to honor a record number of teams for their outstanding academic achievements,” ABCA executive director Craig Keilitz said.

“It is a testament to the leadership of our member coaches and the commitment of their student-athletes who persevered during an unprecedented academic year.”

Tennessee high school teams recognized along with Loretto were Cookeville, Warren County and Knoxville West.

A total of 428 programs received academic awards this year, including 143 high schools.

At the collegiate level, Cumberland University, Freed-Hardeman University, Lee University, Rhodes College and the University of the South are Tennessee programs that were also honored.

Maurice Patton is the editor for Southern Middle Tennessee Sports. E-mail: mopattonsports@gmail.com; Twitter: @mopatton_sports.