17 All-America Honors for Razorbacks Lead Nation

Arkansas totaled a nation-leading 17 All-America honors for the 2019-20 NCAA Indoor track and field season among the recognition presented by United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

The Razorbacks had 11 athletes collect a leading total of 17 All-America honors based on who qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships, which were scheduled to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in March. However, the NCAA canceled the meet a day prior to its start date due to concerns with the spread of the coronavirus.

Combined, the Razorback men and women totaled 31 honors, producing the leading total over LSU (29), Oregon (25), Florida (22), Kentucky (20) and Texas A&M (20).

While the outdoor track and field season was also canceled due to the pandemic, classes continued in a virtual fashion through the spring semester and the Razorbacks fared very well under the unusual circumstances.

The grade point averages for the Spring 2020 term were 3.656 for the women’s track and field team and 3.686 for the women’s cross country team, with a cumulative GPA of 3.491 for the track and field team. The freshman class finished the academic year with a 3.515 cumulative GPA.

Within the semester, 27 student-athletes posted their personal best GPA and there was a total of 20 4.0 GPAs this term.

“We as a staff take great pride in our team’s athletic success in the classroom,” said Arkansas women’s head coach Lance Harter. “These athletes truly value their education while they pursue their dreams on the track.”

Normal policies dictate that All-America honors are awarded based on classifications of performance at the NCAA Championships, with first-team distinction for placing 1-8 and second-team status for placing 9-16.

However, the recognitions for the 2019-20 indoor season will not include distinctions of first-team or second-team.

A pair of Razorbacks – Katie Izzo and Carina Viljoen – earned three All-America honors each for the 2020 indoor season. Izzo received the honors for qualifying in the 3,000m, 5,000m and distance medley relay while Viljoen earned the honor for qualifying in the 1,500m, 3,000m and distance medley relay.

Receiving a pair of honors each were Morgan Burks-Magee (4×400, distance medley) and Krissy Gear (1,500m, distance medley).

Individual All-America honors were awarded to Devin Clark (5,000m), G’Auna Edwards (long jump), Rosey Effiong (4×400), Lauren Martinez (pole vault), Bailee McCorkle (pole vault), Paris Peoples (4×400), and Tiana Wilson (4×400).