Chenoweth, Gillespie and Grinstead Named to USTFCCA All-Academic Team

Three Harvard track and field athletes were named to the men's 2009 Division I Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field All-Academic team by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). A record total of 327 student-athletes representing 107 Division I institutions made up the group.

Rising seniors Chas Gillespie and Justin Grinstead and rising junior Daniel Chenoweth were selected for their academic and athletic achievements during the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.

Gillespie ran the fourth fastest time in Harvard history in the 5,000 meters this spring. His time of 14:01.99 was good for fifth place at the Penn Relays and qualified the Wilmette, Ill., native for the NCAA East Regional meet.

Grinstead won the 400 hurdles at the Heptagonal Championships after running a personal best in the trial heat a day earlier. His 52.16 seconds ranks fifth in the Harvard archives and qualified for the NCAA East Regional. The native of Orilla, Ont., is a two-time USTFCCA All-Academic team selection.

Chenoweth won the 3,000 meters at the Indoor Heptagonal Championships and finished second in the 5,000 meters at the outdoor Heps. The Geneseo, Ill., native qualified for the NCAA East Regional in the 5,000 meters where he finished sixth. Chenoweth was an all-academic selection last year and this past fall for cross country.

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and have met either the NCAA Division I Indoor automatic or provisional qualifying standard or the NCAA Division I Outdoor regional or national qualifying standard in their respective event.

Photo of Justin Grinstead courtesy of DSPICS.com.