SPRINGFIELD - Senior Grace Breiten and the Missouri State track and field team were recently recognized for their performance in the classroom as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its 2018-19 Academic Awards. 
 
Breiten, a Special Education major, received All-Academic honors by the USTFCCCA, posting a 3.67 cumulative GPA.  She placed second in the 5,000 meter run and third in the 3k steeple chase at the Missouri Valley Outdoor Championships.  Breiten competed in the 3k steeple chase at the NCAA West Preliminary Round, matching her PR of 10:28.67 to rank third in school history. 
 
In order to qualify for the award, student-athletes must have a 3.25 cumulative GPA as well as meeting one of the following athletic standards: 1) For the indoor season, finish in the top 96 in an individual event or rank in the top 48 in a relay event. 2) For the outdoor season, a student-athlete must have participated in any round of the NCAA Division I Championships (including preliminary rounds).
 
The Bears earned All-Academic honors as a team with a cumulative team GPA of 3.34.  Teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to qualify for the award.  MSU was one of 227 NCAA women's team to receive the All-Academic Award.

"All of the credit goes to the ladies in our program for making their academic success such a priority and working so hard in the classroom," says head coach Jordan Fife.  "Also, we appreciate A'dja Jones and the rest of the staff of the Achievement Center for their endless support and guidance."
 
Missouri State finished sixth at Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Championships and placed fifth at the MVC Outdoor Championships in 2018-19.