Track teams capture academic honor for third consecutive year

The Lawrence University track and field squads have been chosen as All-Academic Teams by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for the third consecutive year.

The Vikings earned the All-Academic Team designation by having at least a 3.10 cumulative grade point average. Lawrence has earned the award in each of head coach Jason Fast’s three seasons with the Vikings.

“I’m very proud of our men and women for earning this great distinction for three consecutive years,” Fast said. “This award is a testament to the dedication of this group of student-athletes both on and off the track.”

The Lawrence women were among 137 Division III teams to earn the award. Lawrence had a grade point average of 3.51, which was the 14th-best grade point average in the nation. The Vikings were one of four women’s teams from the Midwest Conference to earn the award, and Lawrence had the highest grade point average among those schools.

The Lawrence men were among 74 Division III teams to earn the All-Academic Team award. The Vikings had a grade point average of 3.38, and that was the highest among the three Midwest Conference teams that earned the award. Lawrence had the 16th-best grade point average in the country.

Lawrence also saw its fortunes improve on the track during this past season. The Lawrence men posted their best finish at the Midwest Conference Championships since 2005, and the women had their best finish at the league championships since 2006.