WICHITA—The Wichita State men's and women's cross country teams combined for four Academic All-America awards, the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced Thursday.
 
Head Cross Country Coach Kirk Hunter said he's always impressed with the way his athletes perform academically.
 
"We have a tremendous support group in our academic services here that lead to academic success within our athletic department. These athletes work hard every day not only on their athletics, but also on their academics. 
 
"It's a very difficult thing to do to place in the top 25 at the NCAA regional cross country meet, and still come out with a high enough GPA to be honored academically."
 
Ben Flowers and Winny Koskei both earned the honor as individuals.
 
Flowers had a breakout season on the course. He finished the season with All-Region honors after a 17th-place finish at the Midwest Regional in November. He also finished seventh at the AAC Cross Country Championships to become an all-conference athlete.
 
In the classroom, Flowers was just as outstanding, earning a 3.85 GPA. Flowers is majoring in Psychology.
 
Koskei once again led the way for the Shocker women in 2019. She defended her crown as the AAC women's champion. She also finished third at the Midwest Regional, punching her ticket to Nationals for the second consecutive year. She went on to finish 48th at the NCAA Championships, which was her second straight top-50 finish at the meet.
 
Koskei was also just as proficient in the classroom. She earned a 3.63 GPA as a Nursing major.
 
The men's cross country team was recognized as an All-Academic team. The squad combined for a 3.26 GPA.
 
The women's cross country team was also recognized as an All-Academic team, earning a combined 3.49 GPA.
 
"I'm proud of these two and all of my athletes for their academic successes," Hunter said.