Members of the Wittenberg women's cross country team huddle before a 2007 race.

Springfield, Ohio — The Wittenberg University men's and women's cross country teams have been rewarded for their outstanding work both on the course and in the classroom with NCAA Division III United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team honors.

The Tiger men were among 99 NCAA Division III teams to receive the All-Academic Team award, including five North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) teams. The Tiger women were among 141 NCAA Division III teams to garner the recognition, including five NCAC teams. A team must compile a score at an NCAA Division III regional meet and post a minimum 3.10 cumulative grade point average to be considered for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award. Wittenberg's men's team compiled a 3.24 grade point average, while the Tiger women posted a 3.26.

"I have always stressed the importance of being the best student and that carries over to being a quality athlete," said second-year Wittenberg Track and Field and Cross Country Head Coach Craig Penney. "There is a parallel between academic and athletic success.

"Our team members take great pride in being a strong academic group. I recruit student-athletes who can perform in the classroom and on the athletic field. Success in one area develops confidence and success in their lives."

The Tiger men placed eighth in the NCAC and 22nd in the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Region meet at Calvin College in 2007. The Tiger women finished seventh in the NCAC and 26th in the regional competition last fall.

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Related Links: Men's Cross Country Home Page Women's Cross Country Home Page