For a tradition-rich program, this is one tradition that the Hillsdale College men's and women's cross country teams are excited to add to every single season.

For the 12th straight year, both Hillsdale's men's and women's cross country programs earned All-Academic recognition from the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, reflecting the team's strong performance in the classroom as well as on the cross country course. In addition to both teams being recognized, Hillsdale also had three men and two women earn All-Academic distinction individually.

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. 

To receive All-Academic distinction as a team, programs 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.

Both teams easily met the GPA threshhold to earn recognition, with both the men and women posting 3.41 cumulative GPAs as of the end of the 2024 fall semester.

Among individuals, three from Hillsdale's G-MAC Championship-winning men's squad earned All-Academic honors. Senior Richie Johnston earned the distinction for the third-straight season after also winning the award in 2022 and 2023, while senior Ross Kuhn and junior Gabriel Phillips were recognized with the honor for the first time after excellent 2024 campaigns.

On the women's side, sophomore Savannah Fraley was a repeat honoree for the Chargers after also earning All-Academic recognition in 2023, and freshman Allison Kuzma also received the award in her first season of competition for Hillsdale.