That distinction was the Wildcats having all seven of their qualifying runners named to the NCAA Division II All-Academic Team.

The team itself was also recognized for its academic excellence, putting together a team grade-point average of 3.71 on a 4.00 scale under the guidance of veteran head coach Jenny Ryan.

To qualify for all-academic honors, student-athletes need a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and finish in the top 30% of their regional championship meet, among several other qualifying criteria.

For the team award, the squad had to have a 3.00 GPA, including the most recent grading period, and compile a team score at its regional championship meet with a few other criteria.

Led by senior Madi Szymanski at front center, runners on the Northern Michigan University women’s cross country get out from the starting line at the Wildcat Open exhibition meet held on the NMU campus in Marquette on Aug. 22. (Photo courtesy NMU)

These are the seven individual All-Academic honorees for NMIU, listed with year, major and hometown:

• Madi Szymanski, senior, nursing, Alpena

• Ashley Choponis, freshman, forensic biochemistry, Sidney

• Emma Sweeney, junior, criminal justice, Rockford

• Lamar Gordon, junior, biology, Two Harbors, Minnesota

• Sophia Potter, senior, political science, Waterford

• Dani Van Lente, junior, fisheries and wildlife management, Marshall

• Beverly Harper, senior, health and physical education, Richland Center, Wisconsin

At the GLIAC Championships, the Wildcats were runners-up, their best finish in that meet since 2017. In a race of more than a hundred athletes, NMU was led by Szymanski, who earned First Team All-GLIAC by placing 10th in 21 minutes, 5.7 seconds. Right behind her was Choponis getting Second Team All-GLIAC in 16th in 21:38.2.

Sweeney was 22nd and Gordon 23rd to also earn Second Team All-GLIAC. Potter was 27th, Van Lente 34th and Harper 37th.

At the 32-team NCAA Midwest Regional, Northern was fourth to again earn its highest finish since 2017. Szymanski was 11th in 21:17.45 and Choponis 20th in 21:41.78 to pace the Wildcats.

Additionally, Potter was 40th, Gordon 43rd, Harper 46th, Sweeney 49th and Van Lente 56th.

Story contents based on Northern Michigan University Sports Information press release reviewing the honors. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.