Springfield, Mass. - July 30, 2012 - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced the 2012 Division III All-Academic Track & Field Teams and both Springfield College's men's and women's teams were recognized for their academic success.On the men's side, a total of 74 institutions earned the distinction as a result of a cumulative team GPA of 3.1 or better. As a team, the Pride owned a team grade point average of 3.17. Three other men's programs from the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) earned the academic recognition as MIT (3.52), WPI (3.43), and Babson (3.15) were all honored.
As for the women, 137 institutions met the cumulative team GPA of 3.1. Including Springfield, which totaled a 3.43 team grade point average, the NEWMAC had seven women's programs take home the academic honor. MIT (3.52), Babson (3.5), WPI (3.38), Wellesley (3.35), Smith (3.34), and Coast Guard (3.14) were all recognized.
Last week, a total of six student-athletes were named to the USTFCCCA 2012 Division III All-Academic Track & Field team. Kelly Curtis and Colleen Brague earned the honor on the women's side, while Kevin Coyle, Ryan O'Connell, Zach Pietras, and Ryan Ux were selected from the men's team.
To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 and have met either competed in an NCAA Indoor or Outdoor Championship or finished the regular season ranked in the national top 35 in an individual event or ranked in the national top 25 (collective listing) in a relay event on the official NCAA POP list provided by TFRRS.org.
Jim Pennington enters his 29th season as head coach of the Springfield College women’s cross country and track and field teams in 2012-2013. Under Pennington’s direction, the Pride has recorded seven top 20 finishes at the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships, and seven top 15 finishes at the NCAA Cross Country Championships.
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