NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association named Conner Mantz the 2020 NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country National Scholar Athlete of the Year on Thursday.
The junior mechanical engineering major became the first member of the BYU men’s cross country program to receive the national award in school history. The annual award is given to an individual who is accomplished in the classroom and in competition. Mantz claimed the men’s individual national title last month at the 2020 NCAA Cross Country Championships, marking the third individual champion in program history.
The BYU men’s cross country program also received academic recognition from the USTFCCCA, being named to the association’s 2020 NCAA Division I Cross Country Men’s All-Academic Teams list. Cougars boast a combined 3.56 GPA within their program. In order to qualify, teams must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Mantz was also one of six BYU men’s cross country athletes to be named 2020 USTFCCCA All-Academic Athletes. Senior Elijah Armstrong, sophomore Ethan Cannon, sophomore Casey Clinger, Mantz, senior Clayson Shumway and freshman Aidan Troutner all received All-Academic recognition.
In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student-athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and have either qualified for the national championship meet or finished top-5 at their respective conference championship.
BYU women’s cross country academic awards
Complete list of the USTFCCCA’s academic awards