Feb. 26, 2008

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Three runners from the Johns Hopkins women's cross-country team earned All-Academic honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association for their performances both at the Mideast Regional Championship and in the classroom. The Blue Jays also earned a team all-academic award.

Junior Rachel Hogen (Tarzana, CA/Harvard Westlake) along with junior Emma Hiza (Nottingham, NH/Phillips Exeter Academy) and sophomore Mary O'Grady (Anchorage, AK/South Anchorage) earned all-academic honors for the first time in their careers.

Hogen earned a top 20 finish at the regional as she crossed the line in 22:35 to place 18th. O'Grady was tied for 34th with a time of 22:58 while Hiza placed 47th with a time of 23:18.

Hopkins' three were among 203 Division III runners honored by the USTFCCA. To earn a spot on the all-academic team, the athlete must have succeeded both academically and athletically. They must carry a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and must have finished in the top 25 percent of the field at their respective NCAA regional meet. To earn a team award, the squad must carry a minimum of a 3.10 team cumulative grade point average and have compiled a team score at the NCAA Regional Meet. Just over a third of the Division III schools that sponsor women's cross-country earned the award this year.

Hogen, Hiza and O'Grady will return to lead the Blue Jays during the 2008 season.

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