Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Cross Country Attends White House Reception
March 10, 2014 | Cowboy Cross Country & Track
March 10, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. -
The 2012 NCAA Champion Oklahoma State cross country team attended a White House reception hosted by President Obama, today that honored NCAA championship teams from the 2012-13 academic year.
This tradition, started by former President George W. Bush, is an event to congratulate NCAA championship teams for their accomplishments on and off the playing field, as well as in the classroom.
The 2012 Cowboys not only won the NCAA team cross country championship, which at the time was their third in four years, they were also named the 2012 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division 1 Men's Scholar Team of the Year for their efforts in the classroom.
President Obama spoke to the teams and they toured the White House. Various teams were also recognized for their efforts in community service, an effort started by President Obama to honor championship teams for their service as part of the White House visit.
Among the group visiting was Cowboy senior and 2014 USTFCCCA Midwest Region Indoor Track Athlete of the Year Kirubel Erassa, who will run in OSU's distance medley relay at this weekend's NCAA Indoor Championships.
“This is a high honor,” OSU coach Dave Smith said. “As an American collegiate athlete, meeting the president is probably the highest honor you can receive. The recognition for both the individual athletes and the school is outstanding.”
-OSU-
