By: Delanie Gearing, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
NEW ORLEANS - The Cal Poly Pomona Men's and Women's Cross Country teams have been recognized by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for their academic achievements, each earning All-Academic Cross Country Honors. The men's team achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.28, while the women's team posted a GPA of 3.35, both meeting the necessary standards for the prestigious honor.
In addition to the team accolades, six individual athletes from the Broncos were recognized for their excellence in both athletics and academics. To earn this distinction, athletes must maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA and finish in the top third at their respective NCAA regional competition.
Men's Cross Country
Two athletes from the men's team, Tom McDonnell and Evan Franco, earned All-Academic honors for their impressive performances both in the classroom and on the course.
- Tom McDonnell, an Electronic Systems Engineering Technology major, had a standout season. He competed in five events, finishing 23rd at the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship and making an appearance at the NCAA Division II National Championship. McDonnell was also named the CCAA Runner of the Week from September 30 to October 6, highlighting his consistent and strong performances.
- Evan Franco, a Civil Engineering major, also had an exceptional season. Franco competed in six events, finishing 35th at the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship and participating in the NCAA Division II National Championship. His efforts earned him the CCAA Runner of the Week award from September 5-8.
Women's Cross Country
Four athletes from the women's team were honored for their academic and athletic excellence: Galilea Jimenez, Vivian Martinez, Paige Moore, and Miranda Palacios.
- Galilea Jimenez, a Liberal Studies major, competed in five events this season. She finished 16th at the CCAA Championship and competed in the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship.
- Vivian Martinez, a Political Science major, was one of the team's top performers. She competed in five events, finishing 6th at the CCAA Championship and qualifying for the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship.
- Paige Moore, a Computer Science major, also competed in five events. She finished 15th at the CCAA Championship and earned a spot at the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship.
- Miranda Palacios, an Aerospace Engineering major, made an impressive debut in her collegiate career, competing in five events and qualifying for the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship.
Latest Men's Cross Country
- Cal Poly Pomona Celebrates DII DayThe Cal Poly Pomona Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to celebrate the third annual DII Day on February 22, 2025.
- Champions In and Out of the Classroom, Broncos Boast 3.34 Department GPAJust as you thought this past fall couldn't get any more impressive for Cal Poly Pomona Athletics, the student-athletes put together one of the best academic semesters in department history with a combined 3.34 GPA across all 10 teams. This marks the second-highest term GPA in school history, behind only Fall 2020 (3.35).
- Kevin Gomez Named Assistant Athletics Director for DevelopmentKevin Gomez has joined Cal Poly Pomona Athletics as the new Assistant Athletics Director for Development, it was announced by Director of Athletics Brian Swanson and Executive Director of Development Pam Jones-Tintle on Friday. Gomez, who most recently served as the Assistant Director of Athletics Advancement at Claremont McKenna College, began his role on Wednesday, January 15th.
- CPP Athletics Sets Department Record With No. 4 Ranking in Learfield Director’s CupThe National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) released the fall national standings for the Learfield Director's Cup on Monday morning, seeing Cal Poly Pomona receive it's highest ranking in department history at No. 4 in all of NCAA Division II with 267.0 total points. Only Grand Valley State, Wingate, and Colorado State Pueblo beat out the Broncos with more points.
- Best Fall In Bronco History: A Season of Records, Titles, and TriumphsThe fall of 2024 was a monumental season for Cal Poly Pomona athletics, marked by multiple championships, historic achievements, program milestones, and record-breaking performances across multiple sports.
- Broncos Cap Strong Season with 21st Place Finish at NCAA ChampionshipsIn a challenging race marked by rainy conditions, the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos secured a strong 21st place finish at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. The result represents the Broncos' highest ranking since 2019 and highlights the team's resilience and growth over the season.
