NEW ORLEANS, La. (Blugolds.com) - The UW-Eau Claire men's and women's cross country teams were recently recognized by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association with academic awards.

Both the men's and women's teams were named to the USTFCCCA's All-Academic Teams. The men were selected after achieving a 3.20 GPA while the women earned a 3.52. Around the nation, 125 men's teams earned the award while 167 women's teams were selected. 

For a team to be considered for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award, it must have competed and compiled a team score at an NCAA Regional Meet. The team must also have a minimum 3.10 team cumulative grade point average.

In addition to the team honors, four individuals, two men and two women earned 2010 Division III All-Academic Cross Country status. For the women, Margaret Ho (Sr.-Wisconsin Rapids, Wis./Lincoln) and Ashlyn Mauer (So.-Sheboygan Falls, Wis.) were selected while Tom Breitbach (Sr.-Muskego, Wis.) and Aric Runzheimer (So.-Delafield, Wis./Kettle Moraine) were named to the men's team. A total of 170 women were named to the team while 142 men were honored.

The USTFCCCA All-Academic award honors student-athletes who have succeeded both academically and athletically. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must carry a minimum 3.30 cumulative grade point average and must finish in the top 35 among the field at their respective NCAA regional meet.