NORFOLK, Virginia - Seven Maryland Eastern Shore cross country student-athletes were among the 84 student-athletes across the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) to be named to the All-Academic Team for Cross Country. The MEAC recognizes sophomore, junior and senior student-athletes who have a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average, including transfer student-athletes, who have been in residence at the institution for at least one year.

"I commend our men's and women's cross country student-athletes for maintaining a 3.0 or better grade point average," said MEAC Commissioner Dennis E. Thomas. "I would also like to acknowledge the academic support staff, faculty, parents and coaches who have contributed to the academic success of these student-athletes."

The seven Hawks who accomplished a place of the team included seniors Derrick Cheruiyot (Nairobi, Kenya), Rachel Halmon (Waldorf, Maryland), Jennaya Hield (Freeport, Bahamas) and Khalil Rmidi Kinini (Malaga, Spain); juniors Stanley Meli (Eldoret, Kenya) and Dypna Umunakwe (Bronx, New York); and sophomore Lenneisha Gilbert (Miami, Florida).

Maryland Eastern Shore will be vying for a third straight men's championship and the first women's championship since 2008 in Saturday's MEAC Cross Country Championships in Smyrna, Delaware.