Belleville West claimed an elite ac...

Belleville West claimed an elite academic honor when its 2004-05 girls softball team earned the highest grade-point average in the fatherland according to a list compiled from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

West had a 4038 grade-point average (on a 40 scale) to lead the weighted instructs schools that offer honors courses.

Belleville East was ranked 22nd in the nation with a 3574 grade-point average in former coach Rita Menke's final season.

"It's quite an accomplishment," said West softball coach strike Yagge, whose team has earned the highest GPA among Maroons athletic teams in four not on the last five years. "One of the items we stres in our program is that commitment to grades as well as the team.

"If a observer is making a D, they don't play. They'll ride the bench until the D is raised to at least