University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Gymnastics & Men’s Fencing Praised For Academic Success
October 9, 2026 | Women's Gymnastics, Fencing, Academics
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Committed to academic and athletic success, both the North Carolina gymnastics and men's fencing programs were celebrated and awarded the Carolina Academic Excellence Award – given each year to the men's and women's varsity teams with the overall highest grade point average.
The brainchild of UNC alumnus Dan Rupp, the dinner and award honored the programs for their academic excellence as well as providing the chance for fellowship.
The teams were also presented with the Old Well Trophy, which each team and academic counselor keep for the year.
Originally founded following the 2017-18 academic year, men's fencing came away with the award for the eighth time and the first since 2023-24, while gymnastics earned the award for the first time in program history.
The two programs, alongside coaches and members of the Academic Support Program, came together to honor the student-athletes at the Carolina Inn on Oct. 8.
Both teams shone this past year athletically, with men's fencing finishing seventh overall in the first-ever Men's NCAA Championships and gymnastics finishing the season ranked 20th overall for the team's best end-of-season ranking since 2006.
The brainchild of UNC alumnus Dan Rupp, the dinner and award honored the programs for their academic excellence as well as providing the chance for fellowship.
The teams were also presented with the Old Well Trophy, which each team and academic counselor keep for the year.
Originally founded following the 2017-18 academic year, men's fencing came away with the award for the eighth time and the first since 2023-24, while gymnastics earned the award for the first time in program history.
The two programs, alongside coaches and members of the Academic Support Program, came together to honor the student-athletes at the Carolina Inn on Oct. 8.
Both teams shone this past year athletically, with men's fencing finishing seventh overall in the first-ever Men's NCAA Championships and gymnastics finishing the season ranked 20th overall for the team's best end-of-season ranking since 2006.
Saturday, October 10
Saturday, October 10
Friday, October 09
Wednesday, October 07