Five MU runners earn all-academic honors

Kait Chegwidden (Hamburg, N.J./Walkill Valley), Brenae Edwards (Hazelton/Hazelton), Susan Learn (Troy/Home School), Jessica Scordino (Endicott, N.Y./Owego Free) and Kristy Scordino (Endicott, N.Y./Owego Free) all earned U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division II All-Academic Cross Country status for their outstanding performance in the classroom and in competition.

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team in Division II, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or greater through the most-recent semester, completed at least 12 credit hours in the semester of cross country competition, and placed in the top 50 percent at the most recent NCAA National Championships or in the top 30 percent at the NCAA Regional Championships.

A total of 354 student-athletes represent the 117 institutions that compose the group. Among conferences, the PSAC led them all with 58 honorees, followed by the GLIAC's 37.

Edwards led the Mounties to their first-ever national ranking during the 2011 season and finished 8th overall at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Spokane, Washington this past November. Edwards graduated with a degree in math education last year and is currently pursuing her masters' degree at Mansfield.

Sophomores Kristy and Jess Scordino each earned all-region honors at the 2011 Atlantic Regionals in Slippery Rock, PA placing 9th and 18th respectively. Kristy is studying Early Childhood Education while Jess is in the AEP program. Each are repeat selections from 2010.

Chegwidden, a junior nutrition major, earns her second straight All-Academic honors. Chegwidden placed 68th overall at regionals an 65th at the PSAC Championships in Lock Haven, Pa.

Learn battled back from a mid-season injury to finish 79th at the regional championships in her freshman campaign. Learn is studying geography.