FROM STAFF REPORTS

NEW ORLEANS, La.  – The University of Montevallo men’s and women’s cross country teams were each recognized as part of the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s All-Academic team awards for their work in the classroom.

In addition, three members of the Montevallo women’s cross country team were part of 345 NCAA Division II student-athletes recognized as All-Academic honorees by the organization.

“It is a great accomplishment for both teams,” said Montevallo men’s and women’s cross country coach Tommy Barksdale. “This shows how hard all of the student-athletes work in the classroom and on the course. We couldn’t be more proud of both of the teams.”

Seniors Haley Evans and In-Mi Matsunaga, along with sophomore Lauren Recchia, were each named as USTFCCCA All-Academic honorees.

Evans is a political science and history major, with a minor in pre law, from Fairhope, Ala. Evans has compiled a 3.39 grade-point average.

Matsunaga is an accounting major from Enterprise, Ala. Matsunaga, who has compiled a perfect 4.00 GPA, was also recognized as a Peach Belt Conference Elite 15 member as the student-athlete with the highest academic profile in women’s cross country in the conference.

Recchia, a Suwannee, Ga. native, is a speech pathology major and has also compiled a perfect 4.00 GPA.

The Montevallo women’s cross country team compiled a 3.435 cumulative grade-point average to earn the All-Academic team award.

The Montevallo men’s cross country team compiled a 3.22 cumulative grade-point average to earn the All-Academic team award.