White Leads Huskers to Academic Honors

Lincoln ? The Nebraska cross country team was well represented on 2009 Big 12 All-Academic Team, released Wednesday by the conference office. Of the 134 athletes named to the list, the Huskers had 18 selections, including a league-high nine runners on the men’s side.

 

The Husker men produced eight first-team selections, with four athletes carrying a 3.8 or better GPA. Senior Bryce Somer led the way with a 3.96 GPA in nutrition, exercise and health science.

 

On the women’s side all nine Husker runners were named to the list, with all named to the first team. Sophomore Katie White, a pre-pharmacy major, was one of seven runners overall in the conference to produce a perfect 4.0 GPA. For the Huskers, all nine selections carry a 3.5 GPA or better, with five runners producing a 3.8 GPA or better.

 

Nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the men’s cross country academic all-league squad consisted of 54 first team members combined with 11 on the second team, while the women had 54 first team recipients and 15 student-athletes on the second team. First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, and the second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

 

To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of his/her team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.

 

This Saturday, the Huskers will be in action at the Big 12 Cross Country Championships, which will be hosted by the University of Missouri at A.L. Gustin Golf Course, on Oct. 31.  The event will begin with the men’s 8K race at 10 a.m., while the women’s 6K race will follow at 11 a.m.