Oklahoma State University Athletics
Vail A First-Team Academic All-American
June 18, 2009 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
June 18, 2009
STILLWATER, Okla. - For the second consecutive year, Oklahoma State runner Ryan Vail was recognized as a first-team selection to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America team, it was announced today. In doing so, Vail becomes the first Cowboy runner ever to earn the honor twice during his career. He is only the fourth Oklahoma State athlete in any sport ever to repeat as an ESPN the Magazine first-team Academic All-America.
Vail is one of one of five Oklahoma State student-athletes to earn the title of ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America this school year, joining women's golfer Karin Kinnerud and women's soccer players Yolanda Odenyo, Jamie Markaverich and Jessica Jarrell. He joins Kansas State's Scott Sellers as the only Big 12 athletes on this year's 15-man track and field/cross country first-team.
"It's an honor to be named an Academic All-American," Vail said. "It really takes the same attitude and mentality to be successful in the classroom as it does on the track. It's about time management and making the commitment. Dave Smith has been all about that from day one and if you are not performing well in the classroom, then you aren't going to compete. He has instilled a strong commitment to academics within our team."
Vail capped a strong 2008-09 season by earning All-America honors in the 5,000 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He was also an All-American during the cross country season. He won his second career Big 12 title when he claimed the conference crown in the outdoor 10,000 meters.
"Ryan is special. He's a blue-collar guy that does everything meticulously and that shows on the track and in the classroom," Smith said. "Getting a prestigious award like this for the second straight year is just Ryan being Ryan. He holds himself to a higher standard of excellence than most people do and we're very proud of him."
Oklahoma State's 2008-09 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-Americans
Ryan Vail, men's track and field/cross country - first team
Karin Kinnerud, at large - second team
Yolanda Odenyo, women's soccer - second team
Jessica Jarrell, women's soccer - third team
Jamie Markaverich, women's soccer - third team
