FREDERICK, Md.--The Hood College men's and women's cross country teams were both recognized as two of the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division III All-Academic Teams.

This is the first such academic honor for the men's squad, while the women's squad has earned this distinction three consecutive years.

Hood's men's cross country team posted a cumulative grade-point average of 3.135 and was one of three Capital Athletic Conference teams honored on the prestigious list.

The Blazer women earned the 24th-highest GPA in the country amongst more than 375 NCAA Division III schools that sponsor cross country with a collective listing of 3.526.

To be honored as an All-Academic cross country team, squads need a cumulative team GPA of at least 3.1. An impressive total of 86 Division III men's and 112 Division III women's cross country teams earned All-Academic Team honors.