WHITEFISH, Mont. – Four runners from the University of Providence cross country team were named to the Frontier Conference Academic All-Conference team, the conference announced on Tuesday.

Sloane Chapman (exercise science), Nash Grafe (mathematics/computer science), Chase Layton (business administration) and Angie Sletten (psychology) were all recognized by the conference. To earn recognition to the All-Conference team, a student-athlete must be at least a sophomore in standing and maintain a 3.25 GPA.

"It's awesome," head coach Tony Arntson said. "We don't have a whole lot of runners on our team so to get four on there is really good. I'm really proud of those four. That's a big part of why we recruited them because they're big students and did a good job in the fall."

Arntson is impressed with the foursome for being able to prioritize their schoolwork with the busy season the team has. Once the cross country season ends, the team shifts their focus to the track and field season, meaning a shortened offseason if they get one at all. That also doesn't include the other various activities that they have to balance as well.

"They all have a lot going on," Arntson said. "They not only go to school and compete in athletics in both semesters, but they all work also. It's a pretty busy year for them. They are busy kids but their time management is what's impressive to me about them."

The coaching staff makes it a point to recruit academically-inclined student-athletes, as they feel that success in the classroom translate to success on the course.

"It's also a pride thing," Arntson said. "We want the kids to do well in school and get a good degree so they have the opportunity to go on and be successful. Those same traits that help them in the classroom will help them succeed in sports as well."