Charleston, W.Va – The Women's and Men's Scholar Team of the Year and All-Academic Teams for the 2021 NCAA Division II Cross Country season were announced on Thursday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

The Golden Eagles Men's Team wsa awarded the All-Academic Team honor after posting a 3.41 GPA in the fall. The Women's Cross Country Team also put up a 3.56 team GPA in the fall of 2021 to give them the award as well. 

Men saw five earn Academic All-American awards which are given to athletes with a 3.25 GPA or higher and a top 30% finish at regionals or nationals. Those athletes were David Cecchi, Casey Ellis, Matthew Forrester, Joao Pereira, and Noah Revels. On the women's side, Lily Dowdell, Mercy Jepleting, Lena Kaster, Elise Leveel, Lia Markert, Flora Tissier, and Madison Woolwine all earned Academic All-American as well. 

Overall, there were 111 different programs who were named All-Academic Teams for their efforts during the 2021 season. No program has a better cumulative GPA than Wayne State (Neb.) at 3.859.

In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers.