AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn seniors Carson Bedics and Ryan Kinnane and sophomore Max Hardin were named U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Athletes, the office announced Thursday. The trio was recognized for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements during the 2024 cross country season.
To qualify for All-Academic Athlete status, student-athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top 25 (or 10 percent) at the NCAA Regional Championships or as an All-American at the NCAA Championships.
The honor is the third of Kinnane's career. Kinnane's Auburn career concluded with an 88th place finish at his second NCAA Cross Country Championships in the men's 10k (29:50.70). He was the third Auburn man to qualify individually for two championships, joining Ty McCormack (2013-14) and Brian Abshire (1984-85). During the season, Kinnane was named SEC Men’s Scholar Athlete of the Year, all-SEC second team, and USTFCCA All-Region status. He earned his undergraduate degree in aviation management with a minor in business and his Master of Business Administration.
This is the second time Bedics has received this honor. The Homewood, Alabama native is currently pursuing a degree in bioprocessing engineering. He helped the Auburn men in four meets throughout the fall season, as one of the top finishers for the Tigers. Following a 25th place finish in his season finale at the NCAA South Region Championships in the 10k (30:47.80), he was also named to the USTFCCA All-Region team.
Hardin is making his debut on this list. He competed in four meets during the cross country season. Hardin ran a PR time of 23:26.80 in the 8k at the SEC Championships, finishing 28th overall. His season ended at the NCAA South Region Championships in the 10k, where he placed 22 overall (30:41.20). He joined Kinnane and Bedics on the USTFCCA All-Region team. The Auburn, Alabama native is pursuing a degree in biomedical sciences.
Additionally, both the men’s and women’s cross country teams were named USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams for the seventh year in a row, both teams with 3.59 GPAs.
Bedics and Hardin continue to compete for the Tigers as the indoor season is in full swing. Auburn heads to Bryan-College Station for the Charlie Thomas Invitational February 7-8 at the R.A. “Murray” Fasken ‘38 Indoor Track & Field Facility.
To view a full list of the All-Academic teams and individuals, visit here.