ABILENE, Texas - McMurry University senior Ken Wheeler was named an academic all-American by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Friday. Wheeler, the four-year letterman from Fort Worth picked up the yearly honor for the fourth consecutive time.

Wheeler was among 129 runners from the NCAA Division III selected from 70 different institutions. The USTFCCCA All-Academic award honors those student-athletes who have succeeded both academically and athletically.  To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must carry a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average and must finish in the top 35 among the field at their respective NCAA regional meet.

Earlier this school year, Wheeler was selectedas the American Southwest Conference Distinguished Scholar Athlete for cross country. Wheeler finished third overall at ASC Championships and made nationals as a junior in 2008. He placed 28th at the 2009 NCAA South/Southeast Region Cross Country meet and was an all-region selection all four years. He is also three-time academic all-ASC award winner.

McMurry could have a chance on both the men's and women's side to be named academic all-America as a team. The USTFCCCA will announce team awards March 4 for the men and March 5 for the women.

Wheeler is set to graduate in May with a degree in Exercise Science and Human Performance.