USTFCCCA Women's All-Academic Teams

USTFCCCA Men's All-Academic Teams

USTFCCCA Men's All-Academic Individuals

TACOMA, Wash. — The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association recognized programs and student-athletes who have excelled in the classroom on Thursday with Owen Ladinig earning USTFCCCA All-Academic honors while the Pacific Lutheran University men's and women's cross country teams both earning the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Award.

"We take a lot of pride in our work in our academics and being All-Academic is a goal for our team every single year," said Head Coach Jacob Wahlenmaier. 

"I think the same work ethic that helps us to run miles and miles on the road to be our best in a race helps us to put in the time to study to be our best in the classroom."

Ladinig was one of 15 student-athletes from the Northwest Conference to be recognized with the USTFCCCA's All-Academic Award. The senior from Palos Verdes, California is recognized after finishing in the top 25 percent at the regional meet and boasting a grade point average above 3.30 on a 4.00 scale. The Communication major was an All-West Region honoree this fall, placing 27th overall to lead the Lutes at the 2024 NCAA Division III West Region Championships back on Nov. 16.  

"I'm glad Owen was recognized for his hard work. He's an exemplar of run hard, study hard, and be our best."

The PLU men were among the six NWC institutions to be recognized with the All-Academic Team Award while the women's team is among the seven NWC squads to earn the honor. The Lute men had the second best grade point average of the conference teams, boasting a 3.61 GPA in the classroom. The Lute women secured the honor with a 3.66 GPA.

To be eligible for the All-Academic Team Award, teams must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.1 or higher on a 4.0 scale.