The Colorado College track and field teams were rewarded for another standout performance in the classroom, earning All-Academic plaudits from the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for the 2009-10 academic year.

The women tied for fifth nationally among the 106 institutions recognized with a combined 3.57 grade-point average, while the men tied for ninth out of 68 teams at 3.40.

Both boasted the highest cumulative GPA in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. To be recognized, teams must maintain a 3.1 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

“We are extremely proud of that our student-athletes earned this recognition, head coach Ted Castaneda said. “Having both teams receive this academic award is quite an honor and speaks well of their commitment to academics and sports while at CC.”

Colorado College was one of only five Division III school to have both teams finish in the top 10 of their respective rankings, joining Emory University, Haverford College, Pomona-Pitzer Colleges and Washington University. Only seven schools saw both of their squads record a GPA of 3.40 or higher.

Earlier this summer, the Tigers placed 12 women and 13 men on the SCAC's Honor Roll for maintaining a minimum 3.25 GPA during the spring semester.