Feb. 17, 2011

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Southeast Missouri State men’s cross country team repeated as a U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) NCAA Division I All-Academic team for the third-straight season. The team recorded a cumulative grade point average of 3.54 during the 2010 fall semester, the fourth highest GPA in the nation.

"This group of men is one of the most extraordinary team that has ever particpated in the Southeast Missouri State cross country program," said cross country coach Ryan Lane. "This accomplishment only furthers that fact."

The Redhawks cumulative fall GPA ranked behind national leader Mississippi Valley State (3.62), Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (3.60) and Miami (3.57).

Last season the men’s team had a fall GPA of 3.48, tied with Cincinnati for the ninth highest in the nation.

Florida State was named USTFCCCA NCAA Division I Men’s Scholar Team of the Year.

A record total of 152 Division I men’s programs received USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors, up from 2009’s total of 135.

For a team to be considered for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award, they must have competed and compiled a team score at an NCAA Regional Championship and also have a minimum 3.00 team cumulative GPA.

"We were proud this past fall when we were able to run the fastest 10,000 meter average at the Regional meet of any Division I cross country team in Southeast's storied history and we were proud when they received the OVC Sportsmanship award this year," said Coach Lane. "But to finish fourth in the nation academically is an achievement that marks well beyond the others. They exemplify the essence of what student-athletes should be. We are proud to have these young men as a part of our team."