SELINSGROVE, PA – Susquehanna University cross country runner, Laura Gausmann (York, Pa./West York), received Academic All-American recognition by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on February 25.

The award honors those who have succeeded both academically and athletically. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must carry a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and must finish in the top 25 percent of the field at their respective NCAA regional meet. Gausmann, a junior majoring in political science and minoring in business, carries a 3.97 cumulative grade point average.

A total of 203 Division III female cross country athletes received the 2007 USTFCCCA All-Academic honor, up 15 from last year’s total. The honored student athletes attend 106 various Division III institutions across the country. Geneseo State led the race, placing six student-athletes on the team.

In addition to Gausmann’s honor, the Susquehanna University women’s cross country team received All-Academic Team accolades. They compiled an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.21.

An astonishing 141 Division III women’s programs received the USTFCCCA’s All-Academic Team honors compared to 112 schools in 2006. Just over one third of the 390 Division III institutions sponsoring women’s cross country received the honor.

For a team to be considered for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team award, they must have competed and compiled a team score at an NCAA Regional Meet. The team must also have a minimum 3.10 cumulative grade point average.