Austin’s Track and Field Stars Shine Bright: Alonzo and Jess Named to CSC Academic All-District Team
Celebrating Excellence in Athletics and Academics
AUSTIN, Texas – In a stellar showcase of talent and determination, Isaac Alonzo and Eva Jess have been honored by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) as members of the Academic All-District Track and Field/Cross Country teams. This prestigious recognition, awarded on Tuesday, underlines their exceptional achievements both on the track and in the classroom.
The Pinnacle of Student-Athlete Excellence
Every year, the College Sports Communicators highlight student-athletes who excel academically and athletically, paving their way for the CSC Academic All-America ballot. To earn this accolade, athletes must meet rigorous criteria, including:
- Sophomore status or higher
- A cumulative GPA of 3.50 or above
- A top 50 regional ranking in their respective events for track and field athletes, while cross country runners need a top 50 NCAA Regional Championship finish.
Isaac Alonzo: A Trailblazer on the Track
Alonzo, who has been a cornerstone for Texas men’s distance running, demonstrated remarkable endurance and skill throughout the cross country season and into outdoor track and field. He was the sole Longhorn vying for glory at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, where he brilliantly secured a seventh-place finish at the NCAA South Central Regional, cementing his status as a regional standout.
Stellar Performances at the SEC Championships
His outstanding performance at the SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championships saw him scoring points in two distance events:
- 7th in the 10K with an impressive time of 30:27.54
- 8th in the 5K, clocking in at 13:56.61
In an inspiring academic achievement, Alonzo completed his Master’s in Sport Management while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Eva Jess: A Record-Breaking Force
On the women’s front, Eva Jess seized her final season as a Longhorn with a display of tenacity and skill that will be remembered for years to come. Not only did she finish as Texas’s top competitor at the NCAA Cross Country meet, but her performance at the regional championships also earned her a commendable 13th place finish.
Setting New Standards
Jess emerged as a record-breaking athlete, etching her name in the annals of Texas athletics by:
- Shattering a 12-year-old school record in the 5K during the indoor season with a blistering time of 15:44.48
- Breaking her own record in the outdoor 10K, posting an extraordinary time of 32:50.28
Academic success wasn’t overshadowed either, as Jess graduated with a degree in Nutrition, boasting a commendable 3.96 GPA.
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright
Both Alonzo and Jess exemplify the true essence of a student-athlete—blending rigorous academic pursuits with athletic excellence. As they transition from Longhorns to the next chapters of their lives, their achievements are a testament to hard work and passion. Keep an eye on these dynamic athletes as they continue to shine in their future endeavors!
For more inspiring stories about remarkable student-athletes, check out the latest updates on NCAA and College Sports Communicators.
