March 3, 2011
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND - Both of the University of Richmond's cross country teams earned 2010 NCAA Division I All-Academic Cross Country status, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced. This is the ninth consecutive year that both the men and women's teams have made the list.
"We are very proud of the effort our men and women put into their academic work," said men's head coach Steve Taylor. "They are, after all, here at the University of Richmond to earn their degrees in their chosen field or fields of study. As we have said, this is one of our primary goals each and every year."
To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Cross Country Team, a team must have had a cumulative team grade point average of 3.00 or better, and have started at least five runners at their respective NCAA regional championship.
The Spider men recorded a 3.34 cumulative team grade point average, ranking third among Atlantic 10 Conference teams. Fordham led the conference with a 3.37 grade point average, followed by Dayton (3.52). La Salle, Temple, and UNC Charlotte also made the list.
The women's team boasted a 3.32 cumulative team grade point average. Temple led the A-10 with a grade point average of 3.56, followed by UNC Charlotte (3.35). Fordham and La Salle also made the cut.
"We're happy for our teams," said women's head coach Lori Taylor. "Their achievements last fall - winning the men's and women's cross country titles and our men placing 24th at the NCAA National Championships - were exemplary. However, our athletes have shown that they are not only exceptional at their sport, but they are also one of the few programs in the country to achieve All-Academic team honors for nine consecutive years. Their effort in the classroom and the support of Bruce Matthews within our academic support areas makes all the difference."
"Now we need to have a great spring semester to secure our team goal of earning the honor for track & field...Both the men's and women's track & field teams are going for their ninth consecutive All-Academic Team honor as well."
