OSU Has 14 Named Academic All-Big 12

October 30, 2013 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track

Oct. 30, 2013

STILLWATER -

Fourteen Oklahoma State cross country athletes have been named to the Academic All-Big 12 Cross Country Team for their success in the classroom, the league office announced today.

OSU's 14 total selections rank second in the conference.

On the men's side, five Cowboys were honored. Leading the way was Taylor Monaghan, who was named for the fourth-consecutive year. Joseph Manilafasha was named for the third time (2010, 2012), Shadrack Kipchirchir and Kevin Colon were each named for the second time (2012). Neal Smith was honored for the first time.

For the cowgirls, all nine athletes were first-team honorees. Kate Kujawa was named to the team for the fourth-straight year and Natalja Piliusina was honored for the third-straight year. Victoria Hanna and Monika Juodeskaite were both honored for the second-straight year.

First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, while the second team selections hold a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of their team's scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.

2013 Cross Country Academic All-Big 12 Honorees

First Team

Shadrack Kipchirchir
Joseph Manilafasha
Taylor Monaghan
Natalie Baker
Kaela Edwards
Ruth-Anne Hadjis
Victoria Hanna
Monika Juodeskaite
Kate Kujawa
Margaret Lees
Erika LaCroix
Natalja Piliusina