California Lutheran University’s Regals and Kingsmen cross country teams were recognized by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association with All-Academic Team awards for this past fall season.
According to clusports.com, the Kingsmen, who continued their streak for the 13th consecutive year, maintained a team GPA of 3.43 while the women held a 3.37.ย
Standout junior transfer Summer Gelman, was named All-Academic Athlete as she dominated the womenโs landscape being named to the First Team All-SCIAC and All-West Region team while holding a 3.77 GPA. She credits the culture of the group for motivating the team to succeed beyond just athletics.
โI think that we have a very wellโrounded group of kids,” Gelman said. “Our whole program is a very driven group both academically and athletically.โ
Head Coach Brett Halvaks admired the way Gelman and others took the initiative to be the best they could be in and out of their sport.ย
โIt was really awesome to see someone be able to achieve that for us and really embody that division three philosophy of being a well-rounded student-athlete and focusing on all aspects of your life,โ Halvaks said.
Eric Talbert, senior captain of the men’s team said that the desire to be excellent stems first from being able to carve your own journey. Talbert said that he credits Gelman with helping lead the womenโs team in its accomplishments.
โWe have an outstanding transfer in Summer Gelman whoโs completely created her own path,โ Talbert said.
Talbert said most people donโt understand just how much of a commitment collegiate sports can be. He said early mornings and late nights are common for runners pursuing their present and future dreams.
โBeing a student-athlete is, I feel, a full-time job,” Gelman said. “Itโs a lot but itโs definitely super fulfilling and I wouldnโt have it any other way.”
Gelman said having the right mentality is what motivates many to remain focused on every aspect of life whether it be in sports, academics, or social life.
โYou have a privilege to be here so make sure you put forward your best effort in every way possible to make sure you get that best experience,โ Talbert said.
Gelman said on days when being self-driven is lacking, motivation often comes from teammates and the desire to be a part of something bigger than oneself.
โKnowing that I have places to be in order to perform best for my team and be the best teammate I can be really drives me to be disciplined academically,โ Gelman said.
Talbert said even in a sport where individual performance tends to be the focus, selflessness is where earning team accolades begin.
โBeing the captain of the team, Iโve shifted my mindset from being totally focused on how I performed to being more in an atmosphere of where I view that the team is the most important thing,โ Talbert said.
Talbert said team chemistry is key to bringing the team together towards a common goal.
โWe are a very close-knit team. Weโre small but mighty, I know it sounds cliche, but itโs true,โ Talbert said.
According to Halvaks, This yearโs NCAA regional meet was a highlight for the majority of those in attendance. Halvaks said the team flew to Portland, Oregon and competed for spots at the national championships.
โCrossing the finish line in the middle of a forest in Oregon in the 32-degree weather, it was awesome,โ Gelman said.
Halvaks said that often the little moments are far more important than a specific race time or even GPA.
โYeah, we want to race well and compete well, but it’s trips like that and those experiences that youโre going to remember for the rest of your life,โ Halvaks said.
Though the cross country season is over, Gelman said she is ready to tackle track and field in excellent academic standing.
โBeing able to perform in my sport as well as keep my grades where I want them was a big accomplishment for me,โ Gelman said.
Halvaks said he hopesย to continue to be a part of Gelman and the teamโs success as the track season gets underway.ย
โTo see that she can do all that athletically while still achieving so high academically is very cool to witness,โ Halvaks said.
The Kingsmen and Regals will take to the track on Saturday, Feb. 15 for the David Salo & Nancy Crenna Collegiate Track and Field Meet.
