NEW ORLEANS, La.- Riley Stewart and Kara Putman of Pacific University cross country were named All-Academic Athletes for the 2021 NCAA Division III Cross Country season. This was announced on Thursday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
 
In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student-athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-25 percent of their respective regional championship meet.
 
Overall, there were 248 men from 91 different institutions who were named All-Academic Athletes for their efforts during the 2021 season. On the women's side, there were 203 All-Academic Athletes named from 105 different institutions.
 
Stewart capped off his senior season as an All-Conference and All-Region runner for his fourth-place finish as Northwest Conference Championships and his 14th place finish at the NCAA West Region Championships. Stewart's 125th place at the national meet is the highest finish at the NCAA National Championships by any member of a Pacific men's cross country team.
 
Putman had an unbelievable junior campaign as the NWC Runner of the Year finished first at the NWC Championships and recorded an eighth-place finish at the NCAA West Region Championships. She was also recently named the Boxer Club Athlete of the Month for October-November. Putman's 111th place finish at the national meet is the best NCAA finish for a member of a Pacific women's team in more than a decade.
 
For the latest information on Pacific Athletics, make sure to check out GoBoxers.com. You can also find the Boxers on social media at @GoBoxers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
#GoBoxers