NEW ORLEANS, La. The United States Track and Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (UFTCCCA) released their All-Academic teams and athletes on Thursday, January 30. The Western Colorado Men's and Women's Cross Country programs were both on USTFCCCA's All-Academic teams list, while 11 individuals represented the Mountaineers on the All-Academic athletes lists.  

The women's team posted a team grade-point average of 3.63 in the classroom this fall, while placing 12th at the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships back in November. Five individuals – Emma Kjellsen (3.83), Lacey Kunz (4.00), Leah Taylor (3.94), Peyton Weiss (3.66) and Lauren Willson (3.88) and Haley Wood (3.80) - earned sports for their academic achievements this fall.  

The men's team registered a collective GPA of 3.31 and raced to a 9th place finish at the national championships last fall. Five runners – Oliver Diaz (3.66), John Houdeshell (3.81), Tyler Nord (3.5), Kyle Partin (3.85) and Garrett Watts (2.85) - earned All-Academic honors on the men's side.