Seventeen Falcons Named Academic All-MAC

June 01, 2016 | Women's Track and Field

By: by Jason Knavel, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications

Cleveland, Ohio – The Bowling Green State University outdoor track and field team had 17 student-athletes named to the 2016 Women's Outdoor Track and Field Academic All-MAC team Wednesday, as announced by the Mid-American Conference.

Bowling Green's 17 student-athletes recognized ranked as the second-most in the conference, behind only Kent State's 19. Miami was third with 16 and Eastern Michigan had 15. Redshirt freshman Rachel Walny, who placed third in the MAC in the 10,000, is one of six student-athletes in the conference to maintain a cumulative 4.0 grade point average. In total, 143 student-athletes were named among the 12 conference institutions.

Academic All-MAC is bestowed upon student-athletes who have excelled in athletics and academics. To qualify, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests for that particular sport. First-year student-athletes (freshmen or first-year transfers) are not eligible for the award.

"The team has performed at a record level in the classroom this year," BGSU Track and Field Coach Lou Snelling said. "They had the highest grade point average in the department and in the MAC, as well as both cross country teams earning top five team GPAs in the country this fall. This is another great example of that achievement. Our student-athletes are expected to bring a high level of focus and a consistent work ethic to their studies, along with performing at a national level athletically."

For Mackenzie McMillin and Becca Rae, this is the seventh time in their careers they have been named Academic All-MAC between cross country, indoor track and field and outdoor track and field. McMillin was also twice named Academic All-MAC Honorable Mention prior to a format change eliminating that recognition. Andrea Alt earns her sixth Academic All-MAC honor (along with five honorable mention awards), as does Allison Francis. Jasmine Redman and Rebecca Schott were named to the team for the fifth time and Rachel Durbin, Gabrielle Edwards, Kera Lamotte and Makenzie Wheat were each recognized for the fourth time.

BGSU Outdoor Track and Field just completed the program's most successful season since 1999. The Falcons placed sixth at the MAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, their highest finish in 17 years, and redshirt sophomore Aliyah Gustafson won the MAC title in the shot put. Gustafson, who was named Academic All-MAC, went on to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships, breaking the school record at the meet, and will compete for a national title in Eugene, Ore. June 9 at 9:30 pm ET.

Bowling Green's 17 honorees are listed below:

Andrea Alt, Senior, 3.285, Mathematics
Cassandra Boyle, Sophomore, 3.500, Medical Technology
Rachel Durbin, Junior, 3.386, Business
Gabrielle Edwards, Junior, 3.452, Neuroscience
Allison Francis, Junior, 3.795, History
Aliyah Gustafson, Junior, 3.931, Exercise Science
Brianna Johnson, Junior, 3.200, Health Science
Kera Lamotte, Senior, 3.428, Psychology
Elena Lancioni, Sophomore, 3.885, Exercise Science
Mackenzie McMillin, Senior, 3.733, Biology
Becca Rae, Senior, 3.821, Communication Disorders
Taylor Rambo, Senior, 3.280, Exercise Science
Jasmine Redman, Senior, 3.833, Human Movement and Sport Leisure Studies
Rebecca Schott, Junior, 3.895, Health Science
Cortisha Short, Sophomore, 3.327, Psychology
Rachel Walny, Sophomore, 4.000, Exercise Science
Makenzie Wheat, Junior, 3.402, Graphic Design