Gonzaga University's sports teams once again bucked the national trend as the NCAA released its latest Academic Progress Rates (APR) Wednesday.

Gonzaga had four teams earn NCAA Public Recognition Awards as the NCAA recognized 954 Division I sports for exceptional work in the classroom as part of the NCAA's Academic Performance Program (APP).

Gonzaga student-athletes once again showed they can perform in the classroom as well as on the competitive field, the Bulldogs posting a 3.31 cumulative grade point average for the spring semester.

Gonzaga sophomore Emily Thomas became the first Bulldog to participate in the NCAA Track and Field West Preliminary Thursday night when she competed in the 10,000 meters, and she savored the experience.

Gonzaga's Emily Thomas makes track and field history Thursday when she becomes the inaugural Bulldog to compete in the NCAA Western Regional being held the University of Texas.