Not only has SIUC enjoyed success from its cross-country teams for their performances on the course, it has enjoyed success from the classroom as well.

Four members of SIUC’s men’s and women’s cross-country squads understand the importance of an education, and have been named to the Missouri Valley Conference’s All-Academic team.

To qualify for the award, runners must finish in the top 25 at the conference championship, have a minimum 3.00 grade point average, and have completed at least one full academic year at their institution.

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Coach Bill Cornell’s men’s squad boasted a team 3.050 GPA last season tied for 27th best in NCAA. The men’s team had three members named the All-Academic list this season.

Junior Stelios Marneros, a hotel administration major from Cyprus, was named to the list for the second time in two years. Coincidentally, Marneros has also been the MVC’s individual champion both years.

Marneros’ qualifications included a 3.35 GPA and a first place finish at the MVC Championship.

Academics are important to Marneros because of the education he is receiving through his scholarship.

I have a scholarship and the athletics are only part of the reason I am here, he said. It’s very, very important to me because when I go out into the real world, what I learn here will help me.

Senior Mark Russell is also a repeat member of the All-Academic team. Russell, a mathmatics major from England, placed seventh at the conference championship, and managed 3.03 GPA.

Neil Lisk, a senior cinema and photography major from Wales, is a first time member to the list. His 19th place finish at the MVC and 3.57 GPA were high enough to place him on the list.

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The award has special meaning for Lisk, who graduates in December, because of injuries which cost him his scholarship in 1991. He had to return home and work 14-hour days for two years to save enough to return to school.

I lost my scholarship in 91 because of injuries, and I had to go home (to Wales), he said. I worked as a bartender on a ship for two years so I could come back here. I did it to finish my degree, and not just athletics. The women are represented by junior co-captain Kim Koerner. Koerner placed a strong 12th at the conference championship, but it was the lesser of the two qualifications. A native of Murrayville, and physical therapy major, she boasts a perfect 4.00 GPA for the spring semester.

Koerner won two meets this season, and was the Salukis’ top finisher in six of their seven meets.