EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Both the University of Evansville men's and women's cross country teams were named All-Academic Teams by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
 
The award is given to teams who finish with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and both Purple Aces squads finished above that, led by the ladies, who checked in last semester with a 3.54.  Academic success is the pinnacle of the UE experience and the cross country teams are no different as both squads have made regular appearances on the academic list.
 
For the women, this is their 15^th-consecutive honor while the men brought home the award for the 10^th season in a row.
 
"The Women were Academic All-Americans only three times and the Men none before I started my coaching career here at the University," UE head coach Don Walters said.  "The importance of being a Student-Athlete is to be the Student first and still enjoy the benefits of the Athlete second. I am proud of my teams for understanding what success really means."
 
"For the last five years all graduating seniors that did not continue on to higher education had jobs before they received their diploma," he continued.  "This is the most important thing that we strive for at this level and place in our lives. Congratulations to all past and present Student-Athletes."
 
Along with the academic accolades, Walters also announced the team awards for the season.
 
Taking the Most Valuable Runner award for the men was senior Josh Genet.  Josh became a 4-time MVR this season while being injured during the summer and never totally recovering. He still led the team in all events and continued to improve his times in all but one meet.  More important - Josh holds the school record for the 10K.  His dedication and leadership will be missed next season. He also was the team co-captain.
 
Fellow senior Matt Hamilton received the Leadership and Service Award from the MVC. Matt also was team co-captain.  He is another senior that will be hard to replace next season.
 
Sophomore Ben Johnson received the 100% Award.  He had an outstanding season and set his PR for both the 8K and 10K and improved his times in every meet except one. Ben worked very hard in practice every day all while helping our Freshmen Isaiah Frey to learn how to compete.
 
Frey ran well in his first season, setting a new PR in every race. He also ran in the MVC Championship and the NCAA District Championships.
 
Earning the Most Improved Award was senior runner Loren Oboikovitz.  Loren set her 5K and 6K PR at the MVC Championships and District Championships ending her career in the best way possible.
 
Elizabeth Kingshott dropped her times in every race this season and for her efforts, earned the Most Consistent Award. She finished first on the team at the opener and third at the Conference Championships.
 
Kirsten Perrey and Laurel Wolfe were Co-Most Valuable Runners for the ladies.  Perrey dropped her time in every race except one while setting her PR for the 5K at the Evansville Invitational and 6K at the NCAA District Championship. She finished first on the team 2-times second once and third three times. She was team co-captain and is a very positive person that will be missed next season.
 
Wolfe set her Personal Record in the 5K at the Louisville Classic. She finished first on the team four times, second twice and third once.  She was also the team co-captain.
 
As a team, the Aces had 17 Personal Records set for the 2014 season while the women took the team championship at the Evansville Invitational.