NEW ORLEANS -- The Western Michigan cross country team has once again been honored by the United Stats Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for being named Division I All-Academic status.

The team itself had an overall GPA of 3.30, while 16 of the 20 members of the team have GPAs of at least 3.0 or higher. Half of the 16 have GPAs of 3.50 or higher.

Ariel Arnold and Ashley Moyer share the spotlight for team-high GPA at 3.81. Arnold is a criminal justice major while Moyer is majoring in accountancy.

Junior Rachel Whitley earned academic honors from the MAC as well, being named Academic All-MAC for the first time in her career as a cross country runner, although she has won it for track & field.