METAIRIE, La. -- Whitworth College has the highest men's cross country team grade point average according to the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), which announced its 2005 Division III All-Academic Cross Country Teams today. The Pirate women had the second highest team GPA.

Whitworth's men had a cumulative team GPA of 3.577 through the fall semester, the highest at the NCAA Division III level. Pomona-Pitzer (3.53) was second on the list of teams that reported team GPA's of 3.15 or higher. The Pirates were no slouches on the course last fall either, finishing third in the NWC and fifth in the NCAA West Region.

Whitworth's women's team GPA of 3.704 was second only to St. Mary's (Minn.), which had a team GPA of 3.744. Like the Pirate men, Whitworth's women were third in the NWC and fifth at regionals last fall. In addition, individual national qualifiers Julie Lauterbach (3.941) and Kristi Dickey (3.779) were USTFCCCA All-Academic Individuals.

"Our goal is always to be successful on many levels, including academically, socially, athletically and spiritually," said Whitworth head coach, Dr. Toby Schwarz. "This honor is an indication we are on the right track."

Click here for a complete USTFCCCA All-Academic list of teams and individuals.