Nov. 15, 2011

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Senior Katie Matthews of the Boston University women's cross country team and classmate Joe Greenspun of the men's cross country team were named to the America East All-Academic Team, the conference office announced on Tuesday. It is the third straight year that both harriers were named to the squad.

Matthews competed in just two races this year, but she was sensational in each event. She started her 2011 campaign with a victory at the New England Championships at Franklin Park on Oct. 7. Her first-place time of 17:18 was the best performance of her career at the New England Championships. She followed that up with a second-place finish at the America East Championships, just three seconds behind the leader. The Rocky Hill, Conn., native maintained a 3.66 GPA studying speech, language and hearing sciences.

Greenspun had another solid season for BU, beginning with a 16th-place finish at the Bryant Invitational. He followed that up by placing 17th at the Codfish Bowl and 56th at the New England Championships. The Orange, Conn., native finished off the 2011 season by claiming 16th place at the America East Championships and crossing the finish line in 81st place at the NCAA Northeast Regional. He maintained a 3.80 GPA while studying electrical engineering.

In all, 22 male and female student-athletes were named to the cross country all-academic teams.

To be nominated for the distinction, student-athletes must be a starter or important reserve for their team and participate in at least 50 percent of their team's games or competitions. In the classroom, student-athletes must have a 3.30 GPA and have completed at least one calendar year at their institution. Freshmen are not eligible for consideration.