2021 USTFCCCA Cross Country Academic Awards
Seven Hillsdale College men's and women's cross country athletes received 2021 NCAA Division II All-Academic honors from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Thursday, the USTFCCCA announced, while both teams also received All-Academic Team honors from the USTFCCCA.
In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers. Overall, there were 357 women from 104 different institutions who were named All-Academic Athletes for their efforts during the 2021 season, as well as 275 men from 98 different institutions.
To recieve All-Academic distinction as a team, programs must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers, with 111 women's teams and 98 men's teams meeting the standard.
On the women's side, five Charger female athletes earned All-Academic honors, led by freshman Liz Wamsley, who placed seventh in the Midwest Regional and was Hillsdale's top finisher in the NCAA DII National Meet on Nov. 20 in 55th. Each of Hillsdale's other four runners who finished in the scoring five for the Chargers at the regional meet also received All-Academic honors from the USTFCCCA, including Margaret Scheske (27th), Gwynne Riley (47th), Vera Thompson (53rd), and Claire McNally (54th).
As a team, Hillsdale finished with a combined GPA of 3.581, easily exceeding the minimum requirement, to earn All-Academic honors for the program once again.
For the men, both junior Adam Wier and senior Mark Miller earned All-Academic recognition. Wier was Hillsdale's top finisher in the Midwest Regional, taking 23rd to earn All-Region honors, and Miller also had a solid final performance in Charger blue and white, taking 80th.
The Charger men's team also more than exceeded the minimum threshhold for earning team honors, finishing with a 3.299 GPA to achieve All-Academic status for another year.
This is the ninth straight season that both Hillsdale College men's and women's cross country teams have earned All-Academic honors from the USTFCCCA.
Photos Courtesy of Cedarville Athletics