2025 FSCJ Men's Cross Country was named the number one performing academic team in the nation by USA Track and Field.
February 2, 2026

FSCJ Men’s Cross Country Earns #1 National Academic Ranking from USTFCCCA

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) men's cross country team has been named the #1 performing academic team in the nation by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for the 2025 season.

The USTFCCCA this week announced its NJCAA All-Academic Team and All-Academic Athlete Awards, recognizing excellence in the classroom alongside athletic achievement. FSCJ's men's squad topped all NJCAA programs nationwide with a remarkable team grade-point average of 3.90.

Members of the team includes Benjamin Hale, Cole Fleming, Matt Leitheiser, Noah Blake Looney, and David Beasley, each of whom also earned USTFCCCA All-Academic Athlete honors for maintaining a GPA of 3.60 or higher while competing at the national level.

"This is a tremendous achievement for our program," said Head Coach Jody Hale. "Last year our men finished #2 nationally, so our goal this season was to reach the top. These gentlemen delivered, not only on the course, but in the classroom as well. I could not be more proud of their commitment, discipline, and professionalism."

FSCJ's success extended to the women's program as well, with Ava Banks, Lauren Hughes, and Leilani Ortega Sandoval also earning USTFCCCA All-Academic Athlete honors for their outstanding academic performance during the 2025 cross country season.

The USTFCCCA All-Academic honors are among the most prestigious academic recognitions in collegiate track and field and cross country, highlighting student-athletes who exemplify excellence both academically and athletically.

With this #1 national ranking, FSCJ Cross Country continues to demonstrate that championship standards apply not only to competition but to the classroom as well.

Show your support for FSCJ Cross Country

Manta Fever - join the club today!