all-academic-team

16 Harford student-athletes have been named to a 2021 NJCAA All-Academic team, as announced by the NJCAA late last week.

Student-athletes can earn national academic honors by reaching a 3.60 GPA or higher for the 2020-21 academic year. The NJCAA All-Academic list consists of three teams: First Team (4.00 GPA), Second Team (3.80 to 3.99 GPA), and Third Team (3.60 to 3.79 GPA). In total, 8,272 student-athletes nationwide garnered All-Academic recognition this year.

"Despite obstacles and adjustments, NJCAA student-athletes rose above challenges to display widespread academic success this year," said Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. "It is incredible to see these individuals competing again and accomplishing rich athletic and academic success concurrently; we commend their efforts."

Nine Fighting Owls held a perfect 4.00 GPA through two semesters: George Beeker (MSOC), Connor Blantz (BASE), Brendan Bloss (MXC), Chloe Certain (WTEN), Hailey Deares (WXC), Paige Iacaruso (WXC), Jameson O'Donald (MXC), Kaylee Siler (SB), Lianna Tillinghast (WTEN).

In addition, Paula Martinez (WTEN) and Michael Tomko (MXC) were named to the All-Academic Second Team. Five Fighting Owls round out the all-academic award winners on third team: Ronin Bangs (MSOC), Natalia Calvo-Herrera (WTEN), Rilee Fazenbaker (SOFT), Sara Gorski (WTEN), and Jacob Huneke (MXC).

Iacaruso, Martinez, and O'Donald made the list for the second time in their careers, with Iacaruso making the first team both years.

In addition to the individual awards, Harford men's cross country finished in second place nationally with a 3.60 team GPA. Harford women's tennis finished in sixth with a 3.67 GPA for the year. In order to be awarded this honor, a team must hold at least a 3.0 GPA or better throughout the 2020-21 academic year.

Harford Fighting Owls

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