JACKSONVILLE – Jax State Cross Country Individuals Mark Roper and Rudi Barnette were named to the Conference USA All-Academic teams on Tuesday. The pair are one of seven athletes on their respective All-Academic teams.

Roper has a 3.90 GPA in Undecided Management. After returning from an injury on Oct. 3, Mark Roper was a crucial part of the Jax State men's cross country team, placing as a top five finisher in each of the last four meets, including a team best seventh place finish at the Georgia Tech Invitational.

Roper also helped Jax State to a team title at the Upstate Invitational, placing 21^st and earned All-Conference honors at the CUSA Cross Country Championships with a 19^th place finish.

Barnette has a 3.93 GPA in General Science Education. Rudi Barnette has participated in five meets for Jax State this year, including the Georgia Tech Invitational where she managed to set a new personal best time with a sub-25-minute 6K.

As a sophomore, Barnette was named the CUSA Fall 2024 Spirit of Service Award winner for Jax State. Barnette is also a NACDA Good Works Team nominee, as well as a finalist for the 2025 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup. Barnette also serves as the chair for the SAAC Community Service Committee at Jax State.

Jax State is one of four schools with a male and female CUSA All-Academic selection.

2025 CUSA Women's XC All-Academic 
Katrina Schlenker, Liberty
Ania San Roman Lopez, FIU
Rudi Barnette, Jax State
Jessica Palisca, Liberty 
Vallary Kiplagat, UTEP
Allie Zealand, Liberty
Amanda Radava, NM State
 
2025 CUSA Men's XC All-Academic
Brad Malick-Beltran, FIU
Juan Lucas De La Fuente, MTSU
Ethan Pedersen, Liberty
Rowen Wilkinson, WKU
Noah Sybert, Kennesaw State
Juan Leal, UTEP
Mark Roper, Jax State