McLean County Times

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's and women's cross country teams have been recognized as United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Teams. Sophomore Adriana Crabtree and junior Annalese Chudy were also named All-Academic Athletes by the organization, according to an announcement made on February 1.

To qualify for the All-Academic Team distinction, a team must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale. Both Illinois Wesleyan programs, led by head coach Greg Huffaker, received recognition with the men's team holding a 3.27 GPA and the women's team maintaining a 3.6 GPA.

For an athlete to earn the All-Academic honor, they must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 and finish in the top 25 percent of their respective regional championship meet.

Crabtree, who majors in environmental studies, is receiving her second USTFCCCA All-Academic award after earning it in 2022. She finished 21st at the Midwest Regional Championship last November with a time of 22:12.8, which secured her first-ever ticket to the NCAA Cross Country Championships. Crabtree was also named Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin women's champion in October, receiving First Team All-CCIW honors and being named the College Student-Athlete of the Meet for 2023.

Chudy, majoring in neuroscience, has now earned four academic awards throughout her career including USTFCCCA All-Academic honors alongside College Sports Communicators Academic All-District and Academic All-CCIW awards from last year. She placed 25th at the Midwest Regional with a time of 22:19.3 to earn her second consecutive All-Region nod and NCAA Championship bid. Additionally, Chudy achieved an eighth-place finish at the CCIW Championships to secure her second First Team All-CCIW honor.

As these recognitions are announced, both Illinois Wesleyan cross country teams are looking forward to preparing for their upcoming season in 2024.