July 14, 2009

Center Valley, Pa.-- The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced the men's 2009 Division I All-Academic Track and Field team. A record total of 327 student-athletes representing 107 Division I institutions composed the men's 2009 All-Academic team, which was released Tuesday. Among those honored were seven Patriot League student-athletes from four of the League's institutions, including the Patriot League Scholar-Athletes of the Year for both indoor and outdoor track and field.

Army led all Patriot League schools with three All-Academic selections, including 2009 Patriot League Outdoor Track and Field Scholar-Athlete of the Year Andy Ferrara. The junior economics major and middle distance runner posted a 3.25 spring grade point average. Also representing Army on the list were junior sprinter Zachary Batcho and jumper Tom Wagner. Batcho posted a 3.42 spring GPA as a mechanical engineering major, while Wagner, an undeclared freshman, notched a 3.49 spring GPA.

Bucknell placed two team-members on the squad. Kyle Anthony, a junior jumper, recorded a 3.41 spring GPA while majoring in English and philosophy. Interdepartmental major Steven Pierce, a junior javelin thrower, posted a 3.75 spring GPA.

Lehigh and Navy each placed one team member on the All-Academic team. Lehigh's James Pachucki, a sophomore javelin thrower, notched a 3.38 spring GPA as an engineering major to earn the honor. Navy thrower Mark Van Orden, the 2009 Patriot League Indoor Track and Field Scholar-Athlete of the Year, was recognized after achieving a 3.60 spring GPA as a junior English major.

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and have met either the NCAA Division I Indoor automatic or provisional qualifying standard or the NCAA Division I Outdoor regional or national qualifying standard in their respective event.

Click here to view the entire release from the USTFCCCA.