New Orleans, La. - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) recently announced the men's and women's individual 2011 Division II All-Academic Cross Country teams. The Southwest Baptist University Bearcats were represented well on both teams, having six runners earn this prestigious award.

On the women's side, Whitney Coats, Krenda McClure, Melanie McVay, Christina Owensby, and Ashley Wolkomir all earned the 2011 Division II All-Academic status. On the men's side, Derek Lee earned the recognition.

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team in Division II, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or greater through the most-recent semester, completed at least 12 credit hours in the semester of cross country competition, and placed in the top 50 percent at the most recent NCAA National Championships or in the top 30 percent at the NCAA Regional Championships.