Iona Named 2006 NCAA Division I All-Academic Men's Cross Country Team of the Year
MAAC Sports
The Iona College men's cross country team was named the 2006 NCAA Division I All-Academic Men’s Cross Country Team of the Year for their performance on and off the trails. Over hill and dale, the Gaels were one of the top teams in the country, finishing third at the 2006 NCAA Division I Men’s Cross Country Championships. The announcements were made Thursday by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
In the classroom, Iona buckled down equally well, maintaining a cumulative team grade point average of 3.170. Their success in both venues earns them singular honor of Team of the Year. accolades. the singular honor of 2006 NCAA Division I All-Academic Men’s Cross Country Team of the Year.
Iona placed third at the NCAA meet with 172 points, trailing only Colorado (94) and defending men’s champion Wisconsin (142).
The All-Academic Men’s Cross Country Team of the Year is awarded to the highest-finishing school at the NCAA Championships that meets All-Academic team qualifications (a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA during the 2006 fall term).
Iona’s team consisted of Edward Baynes, Pat Caulfield, Evan Garber, Adam Hortian, Mohamed Khadraoui, Mathew Kiplagat, Andrew Ledwith, Abraham Ng’eitch, Harbert Okuti, Chase Pizzonia, Tim Leonard, Tim Bayley, Philip Burkart and Tim Clark. Mick Byrne is Iona’s coach.
A total of 86 teams received Division I Men’s All-Academic Cross Country Team honors for the 2006 season. To be honored as an All-Academic Team, teams must compete in an NCAA regional meet and have at least a cumulative team GPA of 3.0.