The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) today announced its 2008 All-Academic teams.  Missouri State, on the strength of a 3.548 average GPA, were among the teams honored.

The Bears ranked 25th in the nation and was one of two Midwest programs to rank among the top 25 in GPA and finish in the top 10 at the NCAA Midwest Regional Cross Country Championship.  Missouri State also had the highest GPA among Missouri schools, Southeast Missouri State and the University of Missouri were the only other in-state schools honored.

For a team to be considered for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award, they must have competed and compiled a team score at an NCAA Regional Meet. The team must also have a minimum 3.00 team cumulative grade point average. Only those athletes who competed during the 2008 cross country season may be counted towards the team’s GPA for the USTFCCCA award.