2025 RMAC Brechler Award winners

COLORADO SPRINGS - The Colorado School of Mines men's cross country and men's indoor track & field teams have won Brechler Awards from the RMAC for achieving the highest team GPA in the conference in 2024-25.

The men's cross country team produced a 3.595 GPA to win their first-ever Brechler Award, while the men's indoor track & field team wins its second straight and fifth overall with a 3.563 GPA. 

Established in 2013, the Brechler Awards recognize the conference's top team GPA in each of its 22 sports. Grades were used from the 2024-25 academic year and all student-athletes who were on the institution's NCAA eligibility list were included in the GPA calculation. The award is named after Paul W. Brechler, a former RMAC Commissioner (1976-1990), who, along with his wife Wanda, were the first inductees into the RMAC Hall of Fame. 

Under head coach Chris Siemers, the Mines men's cross country team claimed its fourth NCAA Division II championship in 2024 after sweeping the RMAC and NCAA Regional titles, as well. The Orediggers were undefeated during the season, and had six all-Americans at the NCAA Championships.

Head Coach Matt Sparks' indoor track & field team achieved its highest-ever national finish coming in third at the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships thanks to six first-team all-America podium finishes. The Orediggers were also a strong second at the RMAC Indoor Championships with six individual conference champions. 

The Brechler Award winners will be recognized during the 2025 RMAC Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet on Thursday, July 10, at the Colorado Springs Marriott.