February 17, 2012
Women's honorees I Men's honorees
BLUFFTON, Ohio - The 2011 Bluffton University men's and women's cross country teams were recently recognized as All-Academic by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). It marked the third time in the past four seasons that Bluffton's women have received the honor, including a 2008 squad that finished with the highest GPA (3.859) for a cross country team in the nation. Bluffton was one of just three Heartland Conference schools to be recognized on the men's side and one of six on the women's side.
A total of 187 institutions represent 38 conferences that compose the women's honorees. The NESCAC and MIAC each had ten institutions make the list to lead all leagues in Division III. The Centennial, NCAC, and WIAC followed with nine.
Of the 32 teams that participated in the national championship meet, 31 of those earned All-Academic status, including all eight regional champion teams.
A total of 131 institutions represent 34 conferences that compose the men's honorees. The NESCAC led all conferences with ten institutions on the All-Academic list. The MIAC followed with nine.
Centre College leads the nation with a 3.71 cumulative team GPA through the 2011 fall semester. Cal Tech follows at 3.65. Seven of the top ten finishing teams at the 2011 NCAA Cross Country Championships earned All-Academic status. Of the 32 teams that participated in the national final, 21 of those earned All-Academic status.
To qualify as a USTFCCCA All-Academic Cross Country Team, the team must have had a cumulative team GPA of 3.10 through the 2011 fall semester.
-BEAVERS-
