Women’s Cross Country Team Has Highest Grade-Point-Average in Division III

NEW PALTZ – — The NCAA Division III Cross Country Coaches Association recently announced its team and individual Academic All-America awards and the SUNY New Paltz women’s cross country program was recognized for having the highest grade-point-average in the nation.

The Hawks team grade-point-average of 3.83 was first among the 110 Division III schools honored. New Paltz was tops among a top-five that featured Waynesburg College (3.82), Whitworth College (3.71), Maryville University (3.71) and Bethany College.

New Paltz was also one of three SUNYAC schools to be cited. Geneseo (3.24) and Oswego (3.17) were recipients of the award as well.

The team award is given to colleges and universities who have a cumulative team grade-point-average of 3.10 or higher.

The New Paltz men’s cross country program was also recognized and finished tied for 30th among 65 Division III schools. The Hawks shared a 3.25 team grade-point average with Tufts and Ithaca.

Senior Phil Goodwin (Rochester, NY) received an individual Academic All-America award. A creative writing major, Goodwin has a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.50. He finished 44th among a field 223 athletes at the NCAA Division III Atlantic Regional Championship in November.

Individual awards are given to those who have attained a 3.50 cumulative grade-point-average or higher, while finishing in top-25 percent of their regional championship.