Dec. 7, 2007

The USC women's cross country team was given an NCAA Public Recognition Award, given to those teams that have an NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate in the Top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sports.

The letter came from NCAA President Miles Brand and acknowledges the job that USC cross country head coach Tom Walsh has done:

"As the head coach, you play a critical role in helping your student-athletes achieve their athletics and academic goals. The academic success of your team demonstrates your commitment to putting the student-athlete first. Your team and student-athletes have demonstrated their commitment in the classroom and in their sport and are setting a great example for all students."

USC's young cross country team had a strong season, having an individual win four of five regular season races. They also improved their finishes in the Pac-10 Conference Championship and the NCAA West Regional, and freshman Sarah Cocco qualified for the NCAA Championships. Along the way, they defeated cross-town rival UCLA in several meets, including at the Pac-10 Championships where they earned the Lexus Gauntlet points in cross country for the first time in the award's history.