NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Sophomore Charlie Blackmer of the Kenyon College men's cross country team was named an NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country All-Academic Athlete, as announced Thursday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). In addition to Blackmer's individual recognition, Kenyon earned NCAA Division III Men's Cross Country All-Academic Team honors, marking the 20th time in program history the Owls have received the distinction.

An Illinois native majoring in neuroscience, Blackmer put together an impressive 2025 season on the course while excelling in the classroom. To qualify for All-Academic distinction, student-athletes must carry a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale and place in the top 25 percent of their respective regional championship meet.

Blackmer delivered several standout performances throughout the fall. He opened the season with a strong showing at the Port Kenyon Opener, clocking a personal-best 19:18.1 in the 6K to finish second overall. He continued that momentum into the championship portion of the schedule, notching a season-best 25:40.5 in the 8K to place 20th at the North Coast Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship.

Kenyon's team recognition reflects the program's sustained academic excellence. To earn All-Academic Team honors, programs must post a cumulative GPA of at least 3.10 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period. The Owls finished the 2025 season with a 3.47 cumulative team GPA, surpassing the USTFCCCA benchmark.