The cross country season has been over for three months, but the awards keep coming in. Junior Chris Derrick was named the Scholar Athlete of the Year by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Derrick was one of the best runners in the nation this fall, placing fifth at the NCAA Cross Country Championships after dominating the Pac-10 Championships and Pre-National Invitational along with teammates Jake Riley and Elliott Heath.

In addition to his success in athletics, Derrick has been a standout in the classroom, posting a 3.84 grade-point average while majoring in economics.

Heath, who was named the Pac-10 Scholar Athlete of the Year in December, joined Derrick on the 56-member All-Academic Team as well, marking the third such honor for each.

Both Derrick and Heath will continue with the track and field team, which is currently competing in the indoor season.