NEW ORLEANS, La. – In a continued drive to elevate every facet of the program, Alabama A&M men's and women's track & field have made program history with the first United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team honors for both teams as announced by that organization on Friday, July 23.
Established in 1998-99 to recognize the academic accomplishments of track & field programs at the team level, this marks the first time that any team in A&M history, including women's cross country, has earned this honor in more than two decades of its existence.
"We have set goals and standards for the overall student-athlete in track and field here at Alabama A&M University," said head coach LaShaunda Jones. "You hear a lot of individuals say that you are a student first and an athlete second so we wanted to display just that!"
In order to qualify for that prestigious recognition, the cumulative Grade Point Average of all individuals appearing on the NCAA squad list for both indoor and outdoor track & field must be at least 3.0.
The men qualified with a 3.11 GPA while the women earn their honor with a 3.16 GPA and were among select company among their peers. The only other Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) members named to the teams were Alabama State and Prairie View A&M on both with new member Florida A&M doing so for the women. The latter, however, did so while still a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
"Our track and field athletes are accomplishing goals and receiving awards on the track as well as in the classroom and I would love to acknowledge our academic advisor Ladonna Lumbus, who works over and beyond her call of duty in advising our student-athletes. She works day in and day out making sure our athletes are on the right track towards graduating and placing their best foot forward in academics. It definitely takes a team to receive accomplishments like these."
2021 USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams
Men's Track & Field 3.11 GPA
Women's Track & Field 3.16 GPA
