NEW ORLEANS, La. --- For the second consecutive year, the University of Portland track and field program had both its men’s and women’s teams earn All-Academic Team awards from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). The men’s program posted the third best team grade-point average in the nation, while the women had the sixth best cumulative average.

“I am very proud of our accomplishments academically and athletically,” men’s coach Rob Conner stated. “To be known as one of the best distance programs in the nation as well as one of the best academic programs in the country is very satisfying. It is a direct reflection of the type of student-athletes which make our program. They are hard working, motivated and intelligent individuals.”

A total of 34 men’s teams earned awards, while the women’s side had 97 Division I representative teams. Last year, Portland held the highest GPA on the men’s side and third highest of all women’s programs.

Individually, the Pilots had seven individuals earn All-Academic honors: David Kinsella, John Moore, Chuck McKenzie, Matthew Sheeks and Steven Ault were recognized on the men’s side, while Amie Dahnke and Dana Morgan earned awards for the women’s team.