The Youngstown State men's and women's track and field programs were both named Division I All-Academic Teams by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). In addition, eight Penguins earned individual All-Academic accolades from the USTFCCCA, the association announced recently.

Hunter Christopher, Mason Stephens and Sage Vavro of the men's track and field program were selected as All-Academic Athletes. As a team, the men's program achieved a 3.35 GPA to be named an All-Academic Team. 

Earning individual All-Academic Athlete honors for the women were Emily Bee, Ainsley Hamsher, Madison Murry, Molly Radcliffe and Esther Solarin. The women's program earned a 3.55 cumulative GPA to be recognized by the USTFCCCA.

To be selected as a USTFCCCA All-Academic Athlete, student-athletes must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period, certifiable by either NCAA Faculty Rep or NCAA Compliance Coordinator or Registrar's Office. 

In addition, the student-athlete must have completed at least two semesters or three quarters at the nominating institution and qualify for the athletic criteria for the award: For the indoor season: must have finished the season ranked in the top 96 in any championship individual event, or in the top 48 in any championship relay event, for the most recent indoor season, certifiable by their place on final season performance lists on TFRRS for Indoor Track and Field (including performances achieved outside the qualifying window during the indoor season). For the outdoor season: must have participated in any round of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships (the Preliminary Championship Competition and/or the Final Championship Competition) or for the multi-events, must have finished the season ranked in the top 48 in the East or top 48 in the West for the most recent outdoor season.

For a program to be named an All-Academic Team, the cumulative GPA for all student-athletes on the institution's NCAA Squad List for Indoor and/or Outdoor Track and Field must be 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period, certifiable by either NCAA Faculty Rep or NCAA Compliance Coordinator or Registrar's Office.