The men’s and women’s cross-country teams, Bedics, Hardin, and Kinnane, receive USTFCCCA All-Academic Honors.

In the world of collegiate athletics, academic excellence often goes hand-in-hand with athletic achievement. The 2025 season has been an exemplary one for the cross-country teams, as both the men’s and women’s squads, along with individual athletes, were recently honored with USTFCCCA All-Academic awards. Among those recognized are standout athletes Bedics, Hardin, and Kinnane, who have not only excelled on the track but have also demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence.

The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) is a governing body that promotes excellence in both the athletic and academic performance of athletes and teams. Each year, the association recognizes student-athletes and teams that meet high standards in both the classroom and on the track, and the recent 2025 honors provide a well-deserved acknowledgment of these achievements.

USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Honors

Each year, the USTFCCCA recognizes the top programs and individuals in cross-country for their academic performance and athletic success. To be named to the All-Academic Team, cross-country teams must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better, while individual athletes are evaluated based on their performance in both their respective events and their academic standing. The honor of earning All-Academic status represents the culmination of both outstanding athletic ability and commitment to academics, which reflects the holistic approach of the USTFCCCA to supporting student-athletes.

This year, both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams received USTFCCCA All-Academic honors, showcasing the strength of the program across genders. Additionally, the individual recognition of Bedics, Hardin, and Kinnane highlights their exceptional efforts both on the track and in the classroom, setting them apart as leaders within their teams.

The Men’s Cross-Country Team: A Model of Consistency and Excellence

The men’s cross-country team has been consistently among the top programs in the nation, and their performance this year in the classroom is equally impressive. For a team to be named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team, it must demonstrate a solid performance in competition as well as a commitment to academic success. This year, the men’s team has excelled both athletically and academically, further solidifying their reputation as one of the top cross-country programs in the country.

Key Contributors to the Men’s Team: Bedics

Among the standout athletes on the men’s team, Bedics has emerged as one of the leaders both on the track and in the classroom. Known for his relentless work ethic and competitive spirit, Bedics has been a key performer in multiple races this season. Whether competing in 5k or 10k events, Bedics has consistently placed among the top finishers for his team, helping to drive their success in both team and individual competitions.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Bedics has made notable strides academically, earning a place on the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team for his outstanding performance in the classroom. With a high GPA, Bedics exemplifies the ideal student-athlete, balancing the demands of rigorous academic coursework with the physical and mental challenges of being a competitive cross-country runner.

Bedics’ ability to manage his time and energy effectively has allowed him to perform at a high level in both areas, earning him recognition for his academic success. His dedication to his studies, along with his contributions to the team’s success, makes him a key figure in the program’s continued excellence.

The Women’s Cross-Country Team: Balancing Brilliance on the Course and in the Classroom

Similarly, the women’s cross-country team has been exceptional this season, achieving academic excellence and producing strong performances in competition. Like the men’s team, the women’s squad has made their mark by earning a spot on the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team, showcasing the strength of their academic commitment and athletic prowess.

The balance of these two critical aspects of a student-athlete’s life is one of the reasons why the women’s team has been able to sustain their position as one of the top programs in the country. Their success is a product of both individual talent and collective effort, making them a force to be reckoned with in cross-country competitions across the nation.

Key Contributors to the Women’s Team: Hardin and Kinnane

On the women’s side, two athletes have earned special recognition for their individual efforts. Hardin and Kinnane have each achieved remarkable success this season, both on the course and in the classroom, and their academic honors highlight their commitment to excellence in all areas.

Hardin, a standout runner for the women’s team, has shown significant improvement this season. Her consistency and leadership have played a major role in the team’s success, and she has been an invaluable asset in several key races. Hardin’s academic achievement is also noteworthy, as she has earned a place on the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team for her dedication to her studies. With a strong GPA, Hardin demonstrates that it is possible to balance the demands of being a top-tier athlete while excelling academically.

Hardin’s ability to manage her time effectively, especially with the rigorous training schedule of a cross-country athlete, speaks to her discipline and focus. She has become a role model for her teammates, showing that hard work both on and off the course leads to great success.

Similarly, Kinnane has been a crucial member of the women’s cross-country team, consistently contributing strong performances that have helped elevate the team’s overall standing. As a competitor, Kinnane is known for her tenacity and determination, never backing down from a challenge. Her ability to push through difficult moments in races has been a key factor in her success, and her efforts have played an instrumental role in the team’s high ranking.

In the classroom, Kinnane has also stood out, earning USTFCCCA All-Academic honors for her academic achievements. Balancing the demanding nature of cross-country training and competition with her academic responsibilities is no small feat, but Kinnane has excelled in both areas. With a dedication to her studies and a passion for cross-country, Kinnane is an embodiment of the student-athlete ideal, and her success is a testament to her discipline and work ethic.

The Importance of Academic Excellence in Cross-Country

Cross-country is a sport that requires not only physical stamina and endurance but also a high level of mental focus and discipline. The ability to push through long races and tough conditions requires a strong sense of perseverance, and the same qualities that make athletes successful on the course are often reflected in their academic performance.

For many student-athletes, the pressure of balancing the demands of practice, competition, travel, and coursework can be overwhelming. However, the recognition of Bedics, Hardin, and Kinnane, along with their teams, highlights that with hard work, determination, and a strong support system, it is possible to excel in both arenas. The USTFCCCA All-Academic Honors are a way to acknowledge those athletes who go above and beyond, proving that they can succeed not just as athletes but also as students.

The success of these athletes and teams is also a reflection of the support provided by coaches, academic advisors, and the athletic department. At many universities, there is a concerted effort to ensure that student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed in both athletics and academics. This support system is crucial in helping student-athletes achieve their goals and be recognized for their hard work.

Looking Forward: Continued Excellence in Cross-Country

As the season progresses and the athletes and teams continue their pursuit of success, it’s clear that both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams have set a high standard for excellence. With the recognition of Bedics, Hardin, and Kinnane, as well as the entire teams, it is evident that the program values not only athletic success but also the importance of academic achievement.

Looking ahead, these athletes and teams will continue to build on their strong foundation. For Bedics, Hardin, and Kinnane, the USTFCCCA All-Academic honors serve as a stepping stone for even greater success, both in their athletic careers and in their future endeavors.

In the years to come, we can expect more athletes from these programs to follow in the footsteps of Bedics, Hardin, and Kinnane, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve excellence both in the classroom and on the racecourse. Their success story is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, and dedication, and it serves as an inspiration to current and future student-athletes.

 A Celebration of Success and Hard Work

The USTFCCCA All-Academic Honors for the men’s and women’s cross-country teams are a well-deserved recognition of the hard work, determination, and excellence demonstrated by the athletes. The acknowledgment of Bedics, Hardin, and Kinnane underscores the value of achieving success not only in athletic competition but also in academic pursuits. As they continue to excel on the track and in the classroom, these athletes represent the best of what it means to be a student-athlete, setting an example for others to follow.

In the world of collegiate athletics, the journey toward success is never easy, but the reward is certainly worth it. For these teams and individuals, the future is bright, and their continued commitment to excellence in all areas will undoubtedly lead to more accomplishments on both the track and in the classroom.