FULL ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA TEAMS

AUSTIN, Texas – For the second year in a row, Otterbein University distance standout Cal Yackin has earned third team Academic All-America honors in men's cross country/track and field.

The national honor, nominated for and selected by the College Sports Communicators highlights the top student-athletes in each division for their combined efforts in the classroom, on the competition surface and into the community.

Yackin (Willoughby Hills/Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin) is one of 50 standouts across NCAA Division III to make this year's prestigious list, led by a staggering nine representatives from the jam-packed state of Ohio. He is also now the 18th individual in Otterbein history to be a multi-time honoree.

"Throughout college, I wanted to prove to myself what I was capable of doing," Yackin began. "I love learning and I love running, so it was never a question of whether to work hard. Why would you not at something you enjoy so much? The balance and routine of both (academics and athletics) really kept me honest in getting everything done. Running can alleviate stress and allowed me to feel refreshed after practice, so I was ready to work again. All of these experiences have prepared me for the future in ways I couldn't have imagined…"

Graduating with a 3.62 cumulative GPA as a double major in zoo and conservation science and biology, Yackin was a 7x NCAA qualifier across all sports/seasons. He earned All-American honors twice by finishing 18th at cross country nationals and then sixth in the 1500 meters during outdoor track season.

"Cal has done it again… and it's great to see him reap another award like this," said Dara Ford, director of cross country and track and field. "There isn't a higher honor than being recognized as BOTH an amazing athlete and student. He has been a fantastic representative for what our program here at Otterbein is all about."

A 15x All-OAC performer, the mid-distance specialist departs with four school records coming in the 1K, mile, 1500 and with the distance medley relay. He also became a 3x All-Region performer, 3x Academic All-OAC and 3x USTFCCCA All-Academic qualifier.

Away from the running surface, Yackin spent time as a conservation science intern at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, an elephant care intern at Reid Park, and worked on global reintroduction efforts through Budgerigar Lab.

"My teammates and coaches are really the people that kept me going," said Yackin, who will use an extra year of eligibility as a graduate student at Grand Valley State. "I couldn't have asked for a more supportive group of people – whether it was cheering me on in a race or studying together on a late night in the library. I hope (in some small way) that I was able to leave an impact on not just members of my program, but Otterbein Athletics as a whole. This place gave me the opportunity to show myself that I can handle, overcome and achieve a lot."

Matthew Kearney (MIT) was named the 2023 Academic All-America Team Member of the Year for Division III, which led all XC/T&F divisions this time around with a 3.91 average GPA.

CSC (formerly known as 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.