SJN cross country teams win academic state championship

St. John Neumann High School's cross country teams have achieved a unique form of victory. Both the boys and girls teams are now state champions—thanks to their outstanding academic performances.

The teams didn't claim their titles with the fastest times but with the highest grades. St. John Neumann High School's boys and girls cross country teams have been named academic state champions.

"It had been a goal for a long time for us," said runner Thomas O'Brien.

To earn the title of academic state champion, a team's collective GPA must be the best in the state for Class 1A. The boys team boasts a GPA of 3.89, while the girls team holds a 3.86 GPA.

"As a cross country runner, we just have that mindset to be determined. So again, that just leads off into our school work," said runner Chelsea Perez.

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For these runners, success begins with accountability among teammates.

"We've created a culture where everybody expects just as much from themselves as they do from each of our teammates. That community we sort of have it's the standard here to excel in everything we do," said O'Brien.

"I have six seven eight nine different kids who can easily be captains. Many of them are seniors. Some of them aren't but the leadership, the focus, and the ability to prioritize is just great," said head coach Kyle Rankin.

This season, the Neumann boys team finished in the top 12 in the state, and the girls finished in the top 20.

"There are a lot of coaches at this level who have to make decisions and they have to prioritize. Do I want a great group of kids? Do I want kids who can excel in the classroom? Do I want kids who are athletically superior. I'm fortunate. I don't have to make that choice. I get all three," said Rankin.

The St. John Neumann High School cross country teams have proven that excellence in sports and academics can go hand in hand.