Feb. 26, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The UAB women's cross country squad has been honored by being named one of the NCAA Division I All-Academic teams by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the Blazers' cross country team has been awarded this honor.

"This is a very important honor for us," said UAB head coach Ray Stanfield. "We are not only one of the top cross country teams in the region, but this shows that we are also focused on academics.

The Blazers finished fifth at the NCAA South Region Championship and took fourth at the Conference USA Championship. Senior Elizabeth Ambrus also competed at the NCAA National Championship.

"For us to have earned this award for five straight years means a lot," said Stanfield. "Academics plays a large part in how I recruit. I recruit good athletes that are also strong in the classroom as well."

The All-Academic team honor is presented to NCAA Division I teams that have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.