ABILENE – Abilene Christian's cross country teams and Irene Rono were recognized for their academic achievements by the US Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Thursday.
Rono earned the USTFCCA All-Academic award, which requires both a minimum 3.25 grade point average and a finish in the top 25 (or 10 percent) at the NCAA Regional Championship or as an All-American.
Rono, a nursing major from Eldama Ravine, Kenya, was fifth at the South Central Regional and 110th in a field of 254 runners at the NCAA Championships.
The Wildcats carried a 3.81 team grade point average to earn the distinction of being a USTFCCCA All-Academic Women's Team. That GPA ranks 14th in NCAA Division I. The men's team also earned the All-Academic Team honor, compiling a 3.37 grade point average.
"Another USTFCCCA Academic Award for Irene is a testament to her discipline level both in the classroom and in cross country and track," said ACU Head Coach Jarvis Jelen. "To continue to do what she does while in our rigorous nursing program is rare. I am proud of both the men's and women's cross country teams for their commitment to improve and grow in the classroom. Both teams did an excellent job this fall!"
