NEW ORLEANS, La. – The University of Idaho men’s and women’s cross country teams proved they can compete on the course and get it done in the classroom, as well.

Both Vandal squads were honored with The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division I All-Academic Team award this week.This is the third-consecutive year the teams have been honored with this award.

As a team, the Vandal women won their third-consecutive WAC cross-country title this season while posting a cumulative 3.53 GPA.  That average is ranked 10^th regionally and is 53^rd out of 200 in the NCAA.

On the men’s side, the Vandals tallied a 3.19 GPA to earn a spot amongst the 145 teams. The men’s team finished third at the WAC championships this fall.

“These awards speak volumes for the dedication both teams show to the program,” Idaho director of track and field/cross country Wayne Phipps said. “They are able to perform well athletically and still maintain over a 3.0 GPA.”

To qualify as an All-Academic Cross Country Team, the team must hold a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better and have started at least a five-member squad at their respective NCAA Regional Championships.