New Orleans, La. – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced their 2023 academic awards for the sports of men's and women's cross country on Thursday afternoon with both West Liberty University programs gaining recognition as All-Academic Teams. With a team GPA of 3.7 the Hilltopper women's cross country team gained recognition for the third consecutive season and the sixth time since 2011, while the men's team combined for a 3.32 GPA for their second honor in the last three seasons and fourth since 2011. In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers.

The WLU men's program also saw three individuals earn recognition as All-Academic Athletes by the USTFCCCA as Robert Allen, Jasper Brown, and Philip White earned honors. White, who is working towards a master's in education, earned the honor for the third time in his career while Allen became a 2-time honoree as he pursues a degree in exercise physiology. Brown earned the honor for the first time in his career and is pursuing a general biology degree. In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student-athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers.
 
USTFCCCA MEN'S ALL-ACADEMIC ATHLETES
Robert Allen, Jasper Brown, and Philip White

USTFCCCA MEN'S ALL-ACADEMIC TEAMS
West Liberty – 3.32 Team GPA

USTFCCCA WOMEN'S ALL-ACADEMIC TEAMS
West Liberty – 3.7 Team GPA