NEW ORLEANS – The Hawai'i Pacific University men's cross country team were among the 120 teams named to the 2019 NCAA Division II Cross Country All-Academic Team by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association
 
The Sharks turned in a 3.5 overall grade point average for the team during the selection period. HPU joined five other five PacWest Conference institutions on the list, Academy of Art, Azusa Pacific, Biola and Concordia Irvine.
 
In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period and compile a team score at their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers.
 
Additionally, HPU's Lukas Motschmann from Magdeburg, Germany, who was working on a master's degree in his senior year of eligibility, was named a USTFCCCA All-Academic Athlete for NCAA Division II Men.
 
He posted a 3.88 GPA while finishing 47th at the NCAA Division II West Regional. He was ninth at the PacWest Championships, leading the Sharks in both meets.
 
In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-30 percent of their respective regional championship meet, among other qualifiers.