Oct. 23, 2007

LUBBOCK, Texas - Four of Texas Tech's cross country runners were recognized for their academic standings in an announcement by the Big 12 Conference today.

Among the 112 student-athletes awarded, three Tech men and one woman were honored for their academic achievements. Only 10 were nominated for their 4.00 grade point average.

To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher cumulative in the two prior semesters and must have competed in 60 percent of their team's scheduled events. First team members consists of student-athletes who have maintained a 3.20 GPA or better, while the second team are those who have a 3.00-3.19 GPA.

Two Tech men runners were among the 10 recognized for having perfect 4.00 GPAs. Junior Noel Conrad, a Russian major from Harker Heights, Texas, earned first-team honors for carrying a 4.00. Along with Conrad was sophomore Cory Higgins, a civil engineering major from Abilene, Texas, who also has a 4.00 GPA. Junior Wade Smith, a political science major from Cypress, Texas, was also named to the first team.

The only Red Raider on the women's side to qualify was Sally Kipyego, a junior from Marakwet, Kenya. The reigning national champion majoring in nursing earned second team honors.

For a complete list of both the female and male Academic All-Big 12 Teams visit www.big12sports.com.