Jackson earns USTFCCCA academic All-American

Ben Jackson is helping Georgetown College track and field achieve new heights in competition as well as in the classroom. The physics major became the first Tiger to ever receive United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association Academic All-American status. USTFCCCA had 185 NAIA men earn this honor and only two were Mid-South Conference competitors.

Eligibility for the award is a three prong process:

Academically have at least a 3.3 cumulative grade point average, including the most recent grading period as certified by the campus faculty representative, compliance coordinator or registrar's office.

Athletically hit the national "A" or "B" standard in a championship event, certified by their place on the NAIA descending order lists on Track and Field Results Reporting System for indoor or outdoor season.

Institutionally must have completed at least two semesters, or three quarters, at the certifying institution.

Jackson met all three and was one of only three on the list of 185 as a physics major.

"As a coach this is what you really get excited about," said GC coach Lucas Garnett. "It was awesome to see Ben compete for an indoor national championship, but knowing he's preparing for his future by taking what happens inside the classroom and the student part of student-athlete is one of those coach proud moments.

"He helped us achieve a new level of success in both areas and now I want more. I want to see more of my athletes hit this standard because I know they can."