WILMINGTON, N.C. - It's lucky No. 7 for the UNC Wilmington women's cross country team, which has been recognized by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) as an All-Academic Team for the seventh consecutive year.

      To be considered for the USTFCCA's award, teams must post a cumulative 3.00 grade point average and compile a team score at the NCAA Regional Championships.

      "We're very proud of our women's team for achieving this honor once again," said Layne Schwier, assistant cross country/track and field coach. "This honor is one of our team's goals each year. It's actually become more of an expectation because they understand the importance of being a total student-athlete. The women work really hard, not only in training and competition, but also in the classroom."

      Seven of the Colonial Athletic Association's 10 schools that compete in women's cross country captured the award. The Seahawk harriers compiled a 3.26 grade point average and were joined on the list by Delaware, Georgia State, James Madison, Northeastern, Towson and William & Mary.

      UNCW also was one of nine state schools that received the honor. Other state institutions making the honor roll included Davidson, Duke, East Carolina, Elon, N.C. State, UNC Charlotte, UNC Greensboro and Wake Forest.