NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Central Missouri Mules cross country team, along with two individuals, earned U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association's All-Academic team selections for their accomplishments on the course and in the classroom, announced on Thursday, Jan. 30.
In his 38
th season at the helm, head coach
Kirk Pedersen's Mules cross country team along with seniors
Luke Engel and
Cooper Palmer were recognized for their efforts both academically and athletically by the USTFCCCA.
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.
The Mules maintained a 3.41 cumulative GPA while posting an 11
th place finish at the NCAA-II Central Regional meet on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Tom Rutledge Cross Country Course in Joplin, Mo.
In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers.
During the NCAA-II Central Regional meet, two Mules placed in the top-15 including Palmer who finished 11
th with a time of 30:51.71 while
Luke Engel placed 70
th with a time of 32:17.54 for good measure.
