ANDERSON, S.C. – For a departmental-record eleventh time and the third time in four semesters, the Anderson University women's cross country team has edged the women's track and field squad for top academic honors following the spring semester, as announced by the department late Wednesday afternoon.
"We are so proud of our women's cross country team for the great work they have done in the classroom," said Vice President for Athletics Bert Epting, Jr. "Their ability to balance many responsibilities both in and out of competition has been tremendous and truly speaks to the legacy of the Dr. Shirley Jacks Award. We are so thankful for Dr. Jacks' continued involvement in AU Athletics and we are thrilled to recognize our women's cross country team with the honor. Congratulations ladies and keep making it happen in the classroom and on the course."
Competition for the academic accolade was as fierce as ever, with nearly every team achieving close to a 3.2 GPA for the semester and the Athletic Department as a whole setting a new departmental record by posting a cumulative 3.396 GPA.
The women's cross country team, which posted a stellar 3.764 GPA for the spring term - including three runners with perfect 4.0 GPA's - posted the third-highest grade point average since the inception of the award, while recapturing the honor for a departmental-record 11th time and the fifth time in eight semesters after the women's soccer squad garnered the honor with a 3.625 GPA during the fall term.
"We are overwhelmed with joy to win the Dr. Shirley Jacks Award again after losing it last semester," said Head Cross Country and Track Coach Kevin Eagle. "Our team's effort in the classroom really showed how badly they wanted to regain the recognition of being the team with the highest GPA on campus. I am extremely proud of this group for earning this award."
The Dr. Shirley Jacks Award is given to the team that possesses the highest grade point average at the end of each semester and the women's cross country team will be presented the trophy at an athletic event during the fall.
