Two Sagehen Cross Country Runners Named Scholar Athletes

The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) have released the names of the recipients of the 2008 Men’s Cross Country Scholar Athletes of the Year.  Two Pomona College student-athletes, Torrey Olson and Brendon Randall-Myers were among those athletes selected to receive All-Academic honor.

Torrey Olson has been a strong contributor to the Men’s Cross Country program for the last four years.  The 2008-09 season has proven to be the highlight of Torrey’s tenure on the team.  He served as team captain, qualified for the NCAA Cross Country Championship and now, an All-Academic award honoree.  Likewise, Brendon Randall-Myers’ 2008-09 season has been nothing short of remarkable.  Brendon steadily worked his way up from a middle-of-the-pack runner to become the No. 2 runner on a very talented team.  What makes his ascension on the team more impressive was his ability to maintain a near-perfect GPA.

Head Cross Country Tony Boston, who nominated Brendon and Torrey for the award was thrilled at their selection.  Coach Boston offered the following comments on Brendon and Torrey’s accomplishments, “The mantra for the Pomona-Pitzer running program is ‘Excellence Everyday’, I encourage our men to strive for excellence each day in practice but more importantly I want them to aspire for excellence in their academic lives”.  He continued, “Brendon and Torrey exemplify the duality of an NCAA Division III athlete—a model student in the classroom and a fierce competitor on the field”.

Selection criteria are based on the academic and athletic qualities of a student-athlete.  To be eligible for the scholar athlete award, student-athletes must have a minimum 3.50 cumulative grade point average and must finish within the top 25% of the field at the NCAA regional meet.

- USTFCCCA Press Release