SFCC Cross Country student-athletes earn academic honors

The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Lady Roadrunners cross country team earned NJCAA Women's Cross Country All-Academic Team honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, finishing the fall semester with a team grade point average of 3.6.

To qualify for individual honors, student-athletes must have earned a GPA of 3.4 or higher during the fall semester. Teams must maintain a 3.2 GPA or higher to receive the team honor.

Six Lady Roadrunners received NJCAA Women's Cross Country All-Academic Athlete honors: sophomore Cheyenne Evans, Odessa; freshman Alexis Riddle, Independence; sophomore Emma Rinaldi, Belton; sophomore Giovanna Rocha, Brazil; freshman Malia Rodgers, Montgomery City, Missouri; and freshman Bethany Slovensky, Wellsville-Middletown, Missouri.

"All of our student-athletes who earned these awards should be recognized," said Head Coach Brad Hagedorn. "Balancing education with competition shows they're well-rounded and adjusting well to college academically and athletically. I'm glad the coaches association recognizes this achievement."

Two Roadrunners also earned NJCAA Men's Cross Country All-Academic Athlete honors: freshman Adam Broekemeier, Edwardsville, Illinois and sophomore Jess Cornick, Mason City, Iowa.

"A lot of these kids are already academically inclined, which makes my job easier," said Assistant Coach Kellin Loch. "We support them with study halls, grade checks, tutoring labs, and help with study schedules. Those who met the All-Academic standard are a responsible group I'm proud to work with. While coaches play a role, most of the credit goes to the athletes themselves."

David Rohrbach
SFCC Athletics