Western Wayne Today

Two student-athletes from Wayne State University's men's cross country team have been recognized for their academic achievements by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). Carson Nicoletti and Sean Pettis received All-Academic Athlete honors, acknowledging their performance both in sports and academics.

The Warriors team collectively achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.59, placing them 12th among Division II schools. This GPA was also the highest in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and second in the Midwest region, trailing only behind the University of Findlay.

Nicoletti, a senior marketing major, earned USTFCCCA All-Region status after finishing 21st at the NCAA Midwest Regional Race with a time of 31:35.24. He also secured a 12th place finish at the Warrior Challenge.

Pettis, a freshman studying Computer Science, debuted at the Northwood Invitational with a 19th place finish. He later placed 28th at the GLIAC Championship and appeared in 67th position at the NCAA Midwest Regional Race.

According to USTFCCCA's criteria for All-Academic distinction, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and rank within the top-30 percent of their regional championship meet. Teams must hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet.

Head Coach Grant Lofdahl commented on his team's achievements: "This was a breakthrough year for our men's cross country team in terms of academic performance...to be the top academic team in the GLIAC, second in the Midwest, and 12th in the whole country is very gratifying for these young men."