Feb. 27, 2008

Lexington, Ky. – The University of Kentucky men’s and women’s cross country teams were recognized as national All-Academic Teams by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as announced from its home office in New Orleans, Tuesday evening.

Only a third of Division I schools sponsoring cross country programs earned the academic distinction on the men’s side while just under half of the women’s squads garnered the honor. Eligibility for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award requires a squad to compete and compile a team score at an NCAA Regional Meet. The team must also have a minimum 3.00 team cumulative grade point average (GPA).

Earlier this week, Wildcats Andrea Halasek and Jessica Ortman were recognized with All-Academic honors as individuals. The pair led Kentucky to a fourth-place showing at the NCAA Southeast Regional in Louisville last fall earning All-Region honors. Kentucky’s women’s squad ranks second in the Southeastern Conference’s eight schools honored. The Cats’ cumulative GPA of 3.55 is ranked in the top 15 percent in the country.

The UK men’s team finished 12th overall at the regional, up four spots from the season before. Senior Andrè Silva led the men’s team by placing 18th overall while earning All-Region honors in the process. The Cats are one of seven SEC men’s squads on the USTFCCCA list with a 3.05 cumulative GPA.

Kentucky is one of just six SEC schools to have both cross country teams honored.

Many of the cross country athletes will compete in the SEC Indoor Track and Field Championships this weekend hosted by the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark. The Wildcat indoor women’s team is currently ranked 22nd in the latest USTFCCA indoor track poll. The UK men’s indoor squad stands 14th in last week’s rankings.

Complete coverage of the indoor track and field championships will be available on UKathletics.com.