WMU News

Bronco Jeff Brink is Academic All-American

June 15, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University senior Jeff Brink (Grand Rapids, Mich./Christian) was named to the GTE Academic All-America Men's Spring At-Large Team Tuesday (June 13).

Brink's selection marks the second consecutive year he was honored as a Academic All-American. He was the first player in program history to earn the honor last season.

A biomedical sciences major and member of the Lee Honors College with a 4.0 GPA, Brink has also been selected as a Mid-American Conference All-Academic First Team player two times (1998 and 1999). He was an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar Athlete in 1999 and won the WMU Male Scholar Athlete of the Year Award the past two seasons. The Grand Rapids native plans to attend dental school in the fall.

On the tennis court, Brink won 164 matches as a Bronco, the seventh-best total in Western Michigan history. He finished his career with a 164-82 ledger.

"Jeff expects the absolute best of himself," WMU head coach Dave Morin said. "He doesn't settle for anything less. He'll continue to strive for excellence in dental school and in his profession."

Brink and Kyle Gernhofer (Traverse City, Mich.) were both named to the GTE Academic District IV First Team May 23, marking the second straight year both players were selected to that team. Brink and Gernhofer were the top two vote getters among all nominees in GTE District IV. The district includes Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama.

Gernhofer maintains a 3.83 GPA as a biomedical sciences major. He was a GTE Academic All-District IV pick in 1999 and was an ITA Scholar Athlete last season. Gernhofer has also been named to MAC All-Academic teams the last two years and won the 2000 Jack Vredevelt Sportsmanship Award. He also earned All-MAC Second Team honors this season. Gernhofer's 144 career victories rank No. 11 on the Broncos' career wins list.

The Bronco duo played a key role in helping WMU develop into a MAC power during their careers. The Broncos advanced to the MAC title match in three of their four seasons and won 21 of 26 conference matches the last three seasons. Brink and Gernhofer helped WMU reach the 1999 NCAA Tournament, the program's first NCAA appearance ever, and capture two MAC championships in four seasons.

Brink's singles win in the 1999 MAC Tournament clinched the conference title for the Broncos, their first league crown in 18 seasons, and earned the team an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Media contact: Geoff Brown; 616 387-4138; geoffrey.brown@wmich.edu


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