NEW ORLEANS, LA - Earlier this week, the USTFCCCA released its list of All-Academic Athletes and All-Academic Team selections for the 2025 cross country season. In the release, the Pioneers took home a trio of honors, as Marlo Townsend (Rome, NY/Rome Free Academy) was recognized for her individual academic prowess, while both the men's and women's teams were also honored with All-Academic Team selections. 

In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-25 percent of their respective regional championship meet. Townsend, in addition to fulfilling the GPA requirements, also finished 30th out of a possible 162 runners at the NCAA Division III Niagara Region Cross Country Championships. Her time of 22:53.5 (6:09 pace) met the requirements to receive USTFCCCA All-Academic recognition, cementing her spot as one of the top student-athletes in the local cross-country circuit. 

As a unit, both Pioneer teams also earned All-Academic Team status this past season. To qualify for All-Academic distinction, teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.1 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period, among other requirements. Both of the orange and blue cross country teams were able to achieve this feat.

Townsend and the rest of the team are now fully into the indoor track and field season, with the sophomore star even recently breaking her own 3000m record on numerous occasions. Head down to the Hutton Dome this weekend to catch all the action at the Blue and Orange Invitational and Multi!

Here is a link to the USTFCCCA's full release: Link