BYU Men's Cross Country Named National Scholar Team of the Year

NEW ORLEANS — Six members of the BYU men's cross country team earned USTFCCCA All-Academic honors in addition to the team being named the 2024 NCAA Division I Men's Cross Country National Scholar Team of the Year the organization announced Thursday afternoon.

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Student-athletes must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-25 (or 10 percent) at the NCAA Regional Championships, or as an All-American (top-40) at the NCAA Championships to qualify for the USTFCCCA'S individual All-Academic honors.

"We have a great team culture right now of performing to the best of your ability in all aspects of your life," said head coach Ed Eyestone. "Consistent competence equals eventual excellence in running and in the classroom. These athletes support each other and the positive peer pressure for excellence is expressed and manifested in all aspects of their lives."

Lucas Bons, Casey Clinger, Luke Grundvig, Joey Nokes, Creed Thompson and Davin Thompson all were recognized by the association for achieving All-Academic honors.

"There is a saying ‘The way you do anything is the way you do everything’," said assistant coach Ryan Waite. "These athletes exemplify that. They train, recover, and race the same way they study, do their work, and test in the classroom. It’s who they are. It’s no surprise we had the success we had this year when you realize the way they approach all areas of their lives.”

In addition, the team as a whole was named the 2024 NCAA Division I Men's Cross Country National Scholar Team of the Year, having earned a combined 3.64 g.p.a and taking first overall at the 2024 NCAA Cross Country National Championships. It marks the third time the Cougars have earned the team award (2018, 2019). 

"What a tremendous honor for our men’s and women’s XC teams," said Senior Associate Athletic Director Liz Darger. "These student-athletes are exemplars of discipline in every part of their lives, including athletically, academically, and spiritually. They’ve made and kept commitments Individually and collectively that have allowed them to excel on the course and in the classroom. We are thrilled for them to be recognized for their efforts in this special way."

Each All-Academic athlete will continue competing on the track this indoor/outdoor season.