New Orleans, La.-  On February 1, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released the 2023 NCAA Division II All-Academic Athletes and Teams for the cross country season. 

Six Panthers were named to the honor and both the men's and women's cross country teams were named All-Academic Teams. 

In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers.

The men's team was led by junior Jake Orfano and sophomore Christopher Leonard, both being named All-Academic athletes, helping the program to a third place finish at the Northeast-10 Conference Championship in November. 

Orfano, who posted a 3.644 grade point average in the fall was the top harrier to cross the finish line for the Brown and Gold, placing 18th overall in a field of 121.

Leonard posted a 32nd place finish at the same championship while boasting a 3.374 GPA. 

The women's team was led by the NCAA East Region women's cross country champion, graduate student Katherine Marsh. Katherine, her twin sister Isabel Marsh, junior Sumaira Mayan and sophomore Lucia Kutner were all selected as All-Academic athletes. 

Both Marsh twins were selected to represent the East Region at the NCAA Cross Country Championship in November, coming off of leading the women's team to a runner-up finish at the NE10 Cross Country Championships. 

Isabel Marsh had the top GPA for the group with a 3.567, with Kutner right on her heels with a 3.532. K. Marsh posted a 3.333 and Mayan rounded out the quartet with 3.277. 

In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers. 

The men's and women's team's posted a 3.336 and a 3.348 GPA, respectively.