FULL CoSIDA AAA TEAMS

AUSTIN, Texas – For the third consecutive year, the Otterbein men's cross country/track and field programs have secured a CoSIDA Academic All-America spot.

This time around, it comes in the form of junior distance runner Cal Yackin (Willoughby Hills/Notre Dame Cathedral Latin) as one of just 45 standouts across all of NCAA Division III to make the national list.

Yackin, currently holding a 3.67 GPA as a double major in biology and zoo and conservation science, furthers a strong trend for the Cardinals by following recent honorees Mike Rennette (2021) and Chase Hampton (2020).

"I have tried really hard to make both academics and athletics a priority," said Yackin. "If you have to make a decision, it becomes academics. But if you can stay focused on a good balance and not letting one fall shorter than the other, both can thrive in their own ways. I'm thankful for the people around me who have helped each remain enjoyable."

Yackin was a 3x national qualifier this past school year, making the NCAA Championships via cross country and then both indoor/outdoor track and field. He earned All-American honors in the fall after crossing 18th of 294 competitors at Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Ky. That effort spearheaded Otterbein into 16th as a team.

"This is a huge honor for Cal," head coach Dara Ford said. "This is harder to win than All-American on the running surface. He has dedicated himself tirelessly to excellence in the classroom and on the track. We couldn't be more proud."

Yackin ended winter season by taking 11th nationally in the mile at NCAA Indoor, covering the distance in 4:10 at the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, N.C. Then, toward the end of spring, he reset Otterbein's school record in the 1,500 meters with a 3:47.31 in Illinois.

"The schedule has become normal for me," said Yackin, when asked about competing year-round. "People ask about the constant grind, but it's really all I've ever know after doing it for so many years. Running is just like academics… where you have to keep grinding and training to stay in form. I try to take time for small breaks and peak for the bigger moments."

Yackin cruised back to the NCAA Outdoor Championships last month, this time just a half hour from his hometown at SPIRE Institute in Geneva. He advanced through 1500 prelims and then ultimately settled for another 11th-place effort in the finals… coming home in 3:51.

Yackin is currently working at the Cleveland Zoo this summer in conservation science and research education. He has one more year of undergrad at Otterbein, and then ultimately plans to attend graduate school before finding a career doing conservation work in the field.

"I just want to keep building on times and excel at the national level," Yackin mentioned in conclusion. "As a senior, there can also be a bigger leadership role within the team. I have always tried to lead by example… but I'll be ready to assert myself a bit more to help others get things done."

CoSIDA began the distinguished Academic All-America® program in 1952 to honor individuals that excel on the playing surface, in the classroom and throughout the community. To be eligible for consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic/academic standing at their current institution and be nominated by their sports information director.

Steven Hermsen (Carroll University) was named the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team Member of the Year.