ATHENS, Tenn. — The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) announced its annual men's cross country All-Academic Team and Champions of Character selections late Wednesday morning. Three Montreat College student-athletes were recognized for their academic accomplishments, earning a place among the conference's honorees.
Elijah Eppley, Hunter Smathers and Ryan Stade each earned a spot on the AAC All-Academic Team. In addition, Smathers received recognition as a member of the AAC Champions of Character Team.
To qualify for the AAC All-Academic Team, a student-athlete must hold at least sophomore academic status while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. Each institution in the league also received one spot on the AAC Champions of Character Team, and the recipients were chosen by each program's head coach.
For a look at the 2026 AAC men's cross country awards, click here.
The Montreat College men's cross country team now prepares for the NAIA Men's Cross Country Championship. Race time is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT in Vancouver, Wash.
