Kansas City, MO - The Avila University Athletic Department announced the winners of the Dr. Fred Geer Academic Cup for the 2004-2005 season. The department sponsors the Geer Cup which goes to the male and female student-athlete with the best grade point average as well as the male and female athletic team with the top cumulative grade point average. Each year, the winners are announced during the Avila Eagle Madness Homecoming Event.

Now in its 4th year, the Geer Cup was established by athletic director Mike Sharpe in response to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character Program which was designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and emphasizes both academic and athletic success on the part of NAIA student-athletes. The Award is named in honor of Dr. Fred Geer, a member of the Avila Athletic Hall of Fame and longtime faculty athletic representative for Avila University.

The team awards went to the 2004-2005 men's baseball team under the direction of Head Coach Ryan Howard. The men's winner was the Avila baseball team, generally considered as one of the top NAIA programs in the country and winners of 2 Heart of America Conference Championships in recent years. This is the first year that the baseball team has won the award. The women's team award went to the women's soccer team under the direction of Head Coach Paul McNally for the 3rd straight year.

Senior Sarah Davis won the female individual Geer Cup Award winner. Davis, a radiology major from Sedalia, Mo is the daughter of Steve Davis and Jennifer Grabau and is a member of the women's volleyball team. She was also honored as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete for her achievements in the classroom and on the court during the 2004 season. The men's winner was Jose Ruiz, a junior Sports Science major. Ruiz, the son of Art and Patty Ruiz is a member of the Avila baseball team.

According to Athletic Director Mike Sharpe, "The announcement of the Geer Cup Winners has become one of the most popular events on campus. The Geer Cup is a great tradition here at Avila and is an excellent illustration of our commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence in the athletic department."

Avila Univeristy is an independent Catholic institution located in the Kansas City metro area which competes at the NAIA Division II level in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.