MOUNT VERNON – Cornell's men's and women's cross country teams and five individuals have been recognized for academic excellence by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
 
Seniors Caleb Schopen (kinesiology, German), Gabe Soda (history) and junior Isaac vanWestrienen (kinesiology) earned the distinction as USTFCCCA All-Academic Men's Athletes for the 2024 season. Soda and vanWestrienen claimed academic accolades for the second year in a row.
 
On the women's side, Cornell junior Alyza Koppes (kinesiology, German) and freshman Lidia Dahlman (studio art) were selected as USTFCCCA All-Academic Athletes.  
 
In order to qualify, a student-athlete must have attained a 3.30 GPA and finished in the top-25 percent at their respective regional championship meet.
 
VanWestrienen, the 2024 Midwest Conference champion, placed fourth at the Midwest Region Championships to earn an NCAA berth for the second consecutive year. Schopen placed 36th at regionals, Soda 53rd.
 
Koppes was the team's front runner all season, capped by a 31st-place showing at regionals. Dahlman was 46th in her impressive regional debut.
 
Coach Jerry Frawley's men and women were both cited as 2024 USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams. The men's squad (3.22 grade point average) received the award for the third consecutive year. The Rams captured the MWC men's team crown and placed eighth at regionals for their best showing since 2018.
 
Cornell's women (3.57 GPA) were recognized for the eighth time in 10 years. The Rams finished 13th out of 28 teams at regionals.
 
To be eligible for all-academic honors, teams must have attained a 3.10 GPA.