ENMU Women’s Cross Country Receives All-Academic Team Recognition

PORTALES, N.M. — The Eastern New Mexico University women’s cross country team was recognized by the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for its academic achievements. To qualify for this honor, the Zias had to have a team cumulative grade point average of 3.0, based upon all athletes who participated at the NCAA Regional meet.

The Zias achieved a team cumulative GPA of 3.26 to finish as one of the top academic teams among NCAA Division II cross country programs. The ENMU cross country team was one of only three women’s teams in the Lone Star Conference to earn the USTFCCCA All-Academic honor.

“One of our team’s goals was to be as strong academically, if not stronger, than we are athletically. I am extremely proud of our women and their accomplishments this year. This honor is well-deserved and appreciated,” Head Coach Joel McMullen said.

Seven Zia runners made up the All-Academic Team. They were Lynnae Chavez, Melissa Clark, Joyce Doan, Monica Jasso, Krista Monaghan, Laura Shorty and Miranda Vaca.

ENMU, in its second season under Coach McMullen, earned seventh place in the women’s division at the LSC Cross Country Championships. The Zias claimed 16th place at the NCAA Regional and were third at the Buffalo Stampede, the NMHU Cowboy Jamboree and the South Plains Cross Country Festival.