Jacobs, cross country teams honored

The Cornell men's and women's cross country teams and senior runner Ben Jacobs have earned 2011 Division III All-Academic awards by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

The Rams were among 187 women's programs to receive the USTFCCA academic team accolade. Cornell was one of 141 teams recognized on the men's side.

Coach Dan Schofer's women's squad carried a 3.41 cumulative grade point average. The Cornell men had a 3.13 GPA. The Rams joined Coe, Luther and Wartburg as Iowa Conference schools fielding all-academic teams for both men and women.

To qualify as a USTFCCCA All-Academic Cross Country Team, the team must have a cumulative GPA of 3.10 or better and compiled a score with at least five completed runners at their respective NCAA regional championship.

The Cornell women placed 14th out of 27 teams at the Central Region Championships Nov. 12, 2011 in Waverly. The men's team finished 15th.

Jacobs was honored as a USTFCCCA All-Academic individual recipient for his exploits on the course and in the classroom. He gained all-region status for the second time in his career last fall by placing seventh out of 185 competitors at the Central Region Championships. With that performance, Jacobs earned a berth to the national meet.

To be named to the all-academic individual list, a runner must carry a 3.3 GPA and finish in the top 35 at their respective NCAA regional meet. Jacobs was among nine IIAC men's runners recognized for the USTFCCCA academic award.