Presidents’ Cross Country Standouts/Teams Named All-Academic
WASHINGTON, Pa. – Washington & Jefferson College senior Scott Ryan (Williamsville, N.Y./Williamsville East) and sophomore Kristen Galligan (Frederick, Md./Governor Thomas Johnson) both earned U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic laurels on Friday.
In addition, both Presidents’ cross country teams were chosen for All-Academic status. To qualify as an All-Academic cross country squad, a team must record a 3.10 or higher grade-point average. W&J joined 140 other institutions selected for the men’s honor, while 197 women’s programs were recognized. The W&J women combined to post a 3.20 GPA, while the men notched a 3.40 average.
Galligan was one of 201 women representing their team on the All-Academic individual squad. In addition to placing 13th at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships and becoming the program’s first All-American (men or women), Galligan earned an All-Academic spot by amassing a cumulative GPA higher than 3.30 and placing among the top 35 finishers at a NCAA regional meet. Galligan was the runner-up finisher at the Mideast Regional.
A total of 162 male cross country runners were honored, including Ryan. He placed 13th at the NCAA regional for a second consecutive year and is the first W&J men’s runner to compete at a national cross country championship meet. The 2012 PAC Champion improved 33 places at the 2012 nationals and placed 142nd overall. Ryan owns a 3.67 grade-point average.
Both Ryan and Galligan have already broken records this winter for the Presidents’ indoor track & field teams.
