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Aug. 7, 2008

Five track and field athletes at Butler University have been named to the 2008 Division I All-Academic Track and Field Team, selected by the U. S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). In addition, Butler's men's and women's track and field teams have been recognized as Division I All-Academic Track and Field Teams.

Chosen to the honor squad from the men's track and field team at Butler were juniors Andy Baker and Tommy Davies. Honored from the Butler women's team were seniors Genni Gardner and Claire Holme and junior Rachel Gibbs. The USTFCCCA honored 256 male athletes and 468 female athletes on the 2008 Division I All-Academic Team.

Baker, who was the lone Horizon League track and field athlete to advance to the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship, was named Horizon League Male Outdoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year in June. He posted one of the fastest times in the nation in the 5,000 meter run with a 13:49.87 clocking at the Oregon Invitational last spring. Davies, who joined Baker as a Mideast Regional qualifier, was the Horizon League champion in the 5,000 meter run.

Gardner and Holme both were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Team, selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America in June. Gardner was named the Most Outstanding Performer-Running Events at the 2008 Horizon League Outdoor Track and Field Championship after winning both the 1,500 meter run and the 5,000 meter run, while Holme won an individual title in the 3,000 meter run at the league indoor championship. Gibbs placed second in the 1,500 meter run and third in the 5,000 meter run at the Horizon League Outdoor Championship. All three were NCAA Mideast Regional qualifiers.

To qualify for the All-Academic Track and Field Team, student-athletes 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.

Team recognition is based on a combination of academic and athletic achievement. To be nominated, the team must carry a minimum 3.000 cumulative grade point average. Butler's men (3.250) and women (3.486) both ranked fifth among all teams honored in cumulative grade point average.