Oklahoma State University Athletics
Five Pokes Named To All-Academic Team
July 14, 2009 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
July 14, 2009
STILLWATER, Okla. - Five Oklahoma State runners were named to the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association's All-Academic team, it was announced today. NCAA champion German Fernandez and All-American Ryan Vail were joined on the squad by OSU teammates Colby Lowe, Matt Barnes-Smith and Alejandro Ruiz.
The USTFCCCA honors Division I individuals for their academic and athletic achievements during the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.
To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and have met either the NCAA Division I Indoor automatic or provisional qualifying standard or the NCAA Division I Outdoor regional or national qualifying standard in their respective event.
Fernandez made history during both the indoor and outdoor seasons this year, setting a junior world record in the indoor mile and winning OSU's first NCAA title since 1986 when he was crowned as champion in the outdoor 1,500 meters.
Vail added yet another accolade to his impressive career resume, as he was honored as a first-team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America selection last month. His selection to this year¡¯s USTFCCCA All-Academic team marks the seventh time in his career he has received the honor (three times in cross country and four times in track and field).
Barnes-Smith also is a repeat selection to the USTFCCCA All-Academic squad, as he earned the honor after the 2008 track and field season as well.
