Mitchell, Titans Honored For Academic Excellence

UW-Oshkosh's Ayla Mitchell (Sr. • New Richmond) has been named to the 2009 NCAA Division III Women's Cross Country All-Academic Team by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Mitchell, who was selected to the squad for the third consecutive year, owns a 3.90 cumulative grade point average as an elementary education major. Last fall, she was named the WIAC's Judy Kruckman Scholar-Athlete of the Year in the sport of women's cross country.

Mitchell closed her three-year UW-Oshkosh career by placing third at the NCAA Division III Championship on Nov. 21 in Highland Hills, Ohio. The University of Minnesota transfer was named the 2009 Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year in both the WIAC and the NCAA Division III Midwest Region.

In order to be eligible for All-Academic recognition, a student-athlete must carry a minimum 3.30 cumulative grade point average and finish in the top 35 places at their respective NCAA regional meet. A total of 188 NCAA Division III student-athletes were honored by the USTFCCCA, including nine from the WIAC.

The entire UW-Oshkosh women's cross country team was also cited for its excellence in the classroom. Last fall, the Titans registered a 3.33 cumulative grade point average while finishing 13th at the NCAA Division III Championship, fourth at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional and third at the WIAC Championship.

For a team to be considered for All-Academic honors, it must have competed and compiled a score at a NCAA regional meet. The squad must also have a minimum 3.10 team cumulative grade point average. A total of 153 NCAA Division III schools were honored by the USTFCCCA, including eight from the WIAC.