ROCK HILL, SC-- The Winthrop men's and women's track and field teams have been recognized by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as 2012 Div. I All-Academic Teams, marking the first time both teams have earned that distinction.

Winthrop's women's squad was among 171 Div. I colleges and universities that earned the distinction while the Eagle men's team was one of 85 Div. I schools recognized.  To be eligible for the award, the team must achieve at least a 3.0 grade point average for the academic year.  Winthrop's women compiled a 3.11 GPA while the men's team had a 3.02 average.

Winthrop's men's team was the only squad from the Big South Conference that was named All-Academic while the Eagle women were among five Big South members who received the award.

"We are very pleased with the academic performances of our student-athletes," said head track and field coach Ben Paxton.  "This says a lot about the quality of young men and women that compete in our program."