Aug. 4, 2005

Erie, Pa. - The United States Cross Country Coaches Association has named three Mercyhurst runners 2004 NCAA Division II Academic All-Americans. Senior Shannon Morton (Warren, Pa), senior Karen Thomas (Greensburg, Pa), and junior Beth Kenniston (Grove City, Pa) were all recognized. Morton carries a 3.57 QPA in Finance, Thomas has a 3.50 in Health and Fitness Promotion, and Kenniston holds a perfect 4.00 in Art Education.

To be eligible for the honor, the student athlete must have completed at least 24 semester or 36 quarter hours through the semester of competition, must have at least a 3.25 cumulative QPA on a 4.0 scale through the semester of competition (fall 2004), and must have placed in the top 30% of the total number of athletes eligible to compete in the Regional Championship. There were 166 women representing 69 institutions who earned individual honors.

In addition, the women's team tied for 47th nationally with a 3.34 QPA.