New Orleans, La. – Bears track and field standout Noah Thomas was named an All-Academic Athlete by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), announced the organization Wednesday afternoon. Along with Thomas, both UPIKE men's and women's track teams earned All-Academic Team distinctions.

This is the second consecutive academic nod for Thomas, claiming the honor last season as well. MSC Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year, First Team All-MSC, and Academic All-MSC are all titles claimed by the sophomore as well. The Criminal Justice and Psychology major has represented the Bears at the NAIA Outdoor Championships for the last two seasons.

The men's track and field squad have been named an All-Academic Team for three consecutive seasons, first appearing on the list in 2020. The Bears finished the academic year with a team cumulative GPA of 3.25.
On the women's side, this is the first academic team distinction for UPIKE track and field.

The women's team, which has been elevated competitively by the likes of Verlecia Scarlett and Valerie Kendrick among others, finished the year with a team GPA of 3.25.

In order to qualify for the All-Academic Athlete distinction, one must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and have completed at least 24 semester hours. The student-athlete must also have achieved an automatic or provisional qualifying mark (individual or relay event) for either the indoor season or outdoor season.

For the team distinction, teams must have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.