June 21, 2011

From Navy Sports Information

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Recent Naval Academy graduate Nick Birger was among 58 student-athletes from across the country who garnered an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship on Monday. The record-setting member of the Navy tennis team previously was named as the USNA Class of 2011's Valedictorian as well as an Academic All-American from the College Sports Information Directors of America.

The NCAA annually provides one-time, non-renewable grants of $7,500 to 174 recipients (87 men, 87 women) who excel both athletically and academically. Student-athletes from all NCAA-sponsored sports who compete at any NCAA level of competition are eligible for the scholarship.

Birger, a native of Belleville, Ill., is the lone Navy and Patriot League student-athlete to have received an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship during the 2010-11 academic year.

Commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy (submarines) during the USNA's graduation ceremonies in late May, Birger posted a 4.00 grade-point average as an honors political science major during his academic career at Navy. On the tennis court, the 2010-11 team captain broke the school and league record for career dual-meet doubles victories with 73 wins. He compiled a 20-8 record at No. 1 doubles during the 2011 spring campaign.