UNCG, Schnell named USTFCCCA All-Academic

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The UNCG men's and women's cross country teams were honored this week as they both earned All-Academic team honors, the U.S.  Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced this week. Junior Ashley Schnell also claimed All-Academic Cross Country status as an individual.

Schnell was one of just 99 female student-athletes from around the nation to earn All-Academic Cross Country honors. In order to qualify for the award, a student-athlete must have complied a GPA of 3.25 or high and have either earned USTFCCCA All-America status or finished in the NCAA region's top 15 (or top 10 percent) in 2010.

Schnell, an accomplished violinist, completed those requirements as she holds a perfect 4.0 GPA in music with a concentration in instrumental performance. She also became the first-ever Spartan to earn All-Region honors after finishing in 14^th place at the NCAA Southeast Regionals on Nov. 13.

The men's team was one of 152 teams in the nation to claim All-Academic Cross Country Team honors after the team had a cumulative GPA of 3.36. The women's team wasn't far behind as they had a 3.31 GPA and was one of 192 teams recognized.

To qualify as a USTFCCCA All-Academic Cross Country Team, the team must have had a cumulative team GPA of 3.00 or better and have started at least five regional at their respective NCAA regional championship.

On the men's side, Florida State was named the Cross Country Men's Scholar Team of the Year after finishing as runner-up at the national championships this past season and having a 3.11 team GPA.

Villanova was named the Cross Country Women's Scholar Team of the Year for the second-straight season. The two-time defending National Champions had a cumulative 3.38 GPA.

- UNCG -