NEW ORLEANS, La. (January 31, 2026) – The U.S Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced its All-Academic Teams earlier this week, listing the North Alabama cross country programs as honorees in both the men's and women's divisions.
After a strong season on the course, the two programs dominated in the classroom, as well. The women brought home an overall 3.40 GPA while the men finished the year with a 3.26 collective GPA -- a rise from last season. The award is given to teams across the nation that have a team GPA of 3.00 or higher.
The women's team ranked ahead of 30 other 3.0 GPA programs that were honored. Notable programs the Lions had a better GPA than include Purdue, Ohio State, North Carolina, Florida, Iowa State, Georgia, Alabama and Oregon, among others. The women are one of six ASUN teams to make the list. Eastern Kentucky, Central Arkansas, Lipscomb, Bellarmine and North Florida are the other five.
The men's team slots ahead of 47 other programs as notable ones include Cal, Louisville, Arizona, Colorado, Texas Tech and Syracuse, among others. The men are one of six ASUN teams to make the list along with Lipscomb, Central Arkansas, Bellarmine, EKU and North Florida.
"Back-to-back seasons with both teams achieving All-Academic honors is important to us," said head coach Connor Callahan. "This team continues to show that success isn't just on the cross country course. The standard keeps rising for us and these teams."
Callahan lifted the men's team to their highest conference finish in the Division I era in fourth.
Sophomore sensations
Brian Bett and
Sandra Maiyo combined for four ASUN Runners of the Week awards, while freshman
Audrey Becker and
Jack Gruber added a pair of ASUN Freshman of the Week awards.
The women landed
Savannah Williams,
Taylor Williams and
Mary Anna Trimble on the Academic All-ASUN recipient list. Callahan also coached Bett to his second consecutive All-Region selection while breaking the UNA 10K record.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
