Oral Roberts University has been viewed for decades as one of the premier evangelical schools in America, but that reputation is not based on religious and liberal arts studies alone.

One of ORU’s easily overlooked strengths is its athletics status as a Division I school, competing in sports at the nation’s highest level. This provides a university with many substantial benefits.

The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles fought a tough battle in a Saturday night win against Western Illinois 61-51. The game was low scoring because of the high level of physical play that occurred between the two teams.

ORU baseball’s spring schedule for the 2012 season begins Friday, Feb. 17, and is highlighted by games against Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisville, Baylor, Cal State Fullerton and Missouri State.

ORU will open the season with a three-game series facing Baylor before playing eight home games against Eastern Michigan, Wichita State and Alcorn State.

The Summit League opener will be held at J.L. Johnson Stadium against Oakland on April 6-8. From 2011, the Golden Eagles are returning four position players and two starting pitchers, including Summit League Newcomer of the Year and Pitcher of the Year Alex Gonzalez.

In an effort to recognize student athletes who maintained academic excellence (3.6 GPA) while competing in full-time fall athetics, the Summit League recently released a list of 21 ORU students who met those requirements:

• Women’s cross country: Kristen Radcliff, Tiffany Hagan and Samantha Watson
• Men’s cross country: Shadrack Koech, Ryan Masey and Leif Peterson
• Women’s soccer: Jennifer Abernathy, Leah Bickers, Rachel Carrol, Whitney Brannan, Jordan Parsons and Helen Erb
• Men’s soccer: Aaron Douthit, Dan McCarthy, Cody Lofgren and Paul Oliver
• Volleyball: Jessica Pancratz, Shelby Robb, Bruna Silva, Laura Taylor and Sheina Fernandes