From Washington University Athletics
Washington University in St. Louis sophomore Nick Matteucci was the recipient of the Elite 90 Award for the 2018 NCAA Division III Men's Outdoor Track & Field Championship, as announced Wednesday night at the Championship Banquet in La Crosse, Wis.
Matteucci is the first WashU men's track & field student-athlete to earn the award. He is the eighth student-athlete in school history to earn the Elite 90 Award and marks the 11th selection for the Bears overall, which leads Division III since the program's inception in 2009-10.
The Elite 90, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 90 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 90 championships.
Matteucci enters the nationals with the third fastest time posted this season in the 1,500m run. He set the Bears school record at the Billy Hayes Invite on May 4 when he finished in 3:45.86. Matteucci's time also earned him U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Midwest All-Region honors.
The Des Peres, Mo.-native also ran to a pair of event titles for the Bears during the University Athletic Association Championships. He won the 1,500m (3:57.61) and the 800m (1:54.01) to earn all-UAA honors. He has a grade point average of 4.00 while studying chemical engineering.
Matteucci is scheduled to compete in the men's 1,500m prelims on Thursday, May 24. The Bears schedule of events will begin with the women's 10,000m run which has been pushed up to 8:45 a.m. due to the forecasted temperature in Wisconsin.
Eligible student-athletes for the Elite 90 Award are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship. The number of credits completed breaks all ties.
For more information on the Elite 90 award visit:
http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/events/awards/elite-90-academic-recognition-award-program