The Hope College women's cross country team has been named to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association NCAA Division III 2013 Scholar Teams of the Year.
Coach Mark Northuis' Flying Dutch recorded a 3.55 GPA to earn the USTFCCCA recognition for the 24th consecutive time, a feat unmatched in Division III women's cross country. Teams must have a GPA 3.1 or higher to qualify for the award.
"Every year we establish team academic goals. Earning this academic award for this many consecutive years is a whole team effort that we take very seriously," Northuis said. "It also reflects the quality of student-athletes that Hope College attracts. We are also very proud to recognize the seven individual Academic All-Americans and the DIII Elite 89 recipient. Our teams continue to excel in the classroom as well as on the athletic fields."
Hope has the longest streak of USTFCCCA Scholar Teams in Division III. The Flying Dutch are one of 215 Division III teams to receive the award.
Individually, Hope had four athletes claim individual recognition with a GPA of 3.3 or higher and a finish in the top 25 percent at their regional meet:
Senior Sheri McCormack of Holland (West Ottawa HS), pictured, carries a 3.91 GPA while pursuing majors in chemistry and Spanish.
Senior Meredith Busman of Coopersville (Coopersville HS) owns a 3.86 GPA while majoring in biology. She is being honored for the third time in her career.
Freshman Erin Herrmann of Wheaton, Ill. (Wheaton-Warrenville South HS) has a 3.65 GPA in her major of education.
Senior Camille Borst of Allendale (Allendale HS) carries a 3.58 GPA in her major of nursing. She is being honored for the fourth time in her career.
McCormack, Busman, Herrmann and Borst were among 308 individual Division III honorees.
Last fall, Hope finished ninth at the NCAA Division III Championships for the second-highest finish in school history. Individually, McCormack placed 17th for the third-best performance by a member of the Flying Dutch.
Hope also finished runner-up at the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championships.
