2023 USTFCCCA Cross Country Academic Awards
As teams representing one of the top academic and athletic institutions in NCAA DII, it's no surprise that the Hillsdale College men's and women's cross country teams have been recognized for their work in the classroom for the 11th straight season.
Not surprising, but still impressive, as the 2023 editions of Chargers cross country earned NCAA DII All-Academic honors from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for the 11th time in a row on Monday, with both teams and four athletes earning recognition 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.
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.
Hillsdale's men's team finished the 2023 season with a cumulative GPA of 3.28 to earn the honor, while the women posted a 3.43 GPA to receive the distinction as well.
Among individuals, Hillsdale's repeat All-American runner, junior Liz Wamsley, received USTFCCCA All-Academic honors for the third straight season. Teammate Savannah Fraley, a freshman, also met the demanding requirements to be an All-Academic athlete.
On the men's side, two individuals, Alex Mitchell and Richie Johnston, both earned repeat USTFCCCA All-Academic honors after also earning the distinction last season. Both athletes were All-G-MAC honorees and Mitchell also earned All-Region honors in 2023.
Photo by Emma Purdy