FLORENCE, SC - The Francis Marion University men's cross country team recently earned All-Academic team honors from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), while senior runner Patrick Hopewell gained individual All-Academic recognition.

The Patriot men receive the team award for the fourth time in nine seasons. To earn team honors, a squad must register a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Fifty-seven NCAA Division II men’s programs were honored. Francis Marion was the only Peach Belt Conference squad on the list and one of only two Division II institutions from South Carolina (Limestone College was the other).

Hopewell, a native of Malvern, Pa., is majoring in management information systems (MIS) and owns a 3.73 GPA. He was one of only four male runners from Palmetto State Division II schools to earn All-Academic individual honors. To make the list, a runner must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 and have finished in the top 30 at the regional championship meet.

On the course this past fall, Hopewell led the Patriot runners at the Peach Belt Conference Championships (17th place) and the NCAA Division II Southeastern Regional Meet, where Francis Marion placed fifth and 17th respectively in the team standings. During the regular season, Hopewell was FMU’s second finisher three times and third runner on two occasions.

Hopewell is a graduate of Conestoga High School and is a former Marine.