COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --- South Dakota School of Mines senior mid-distance runner Kevin Ptak has earned the 2020 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Summit Award, announced by the league office Wednesday from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Between the indoor and outdoor seasons, it is the fourth consecutive Summit Award Ptak has earned.

This award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average (GPA), participating at the finals site for each of the RMAC championships. All GPAs are based on a straight grading scale to ensure consistency among institutions. Any tie is broken by the number of credits completed. 

To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must be a sophomore or above who participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must also be an active member of the team, traveling and competing at the championship. 

Ptak is a senior from Allen, Texas, who has maintained a 4.00 GPA throughout his college career majoring in Electrical Engineering. At the RMAC Indoor Championships this weekend, he will compete in the 400 meter dash along with the 4x400 and distance medley relay teams.

"Kevin's work ethic on the track and in the classroom is outstanding. It's remarkable that he's maintained a 4.0 (GPA) as a two-sport athlete," said Hardrocker track and field head coach Steve Johnson. "Track and field and football keeps Kevin busy, but he still excels in his studies. I am very proud of him."
 
Ptak heads in the RMAC Indoor Championships ranked 10th in the 400 dash. His best time in that event this season is 49.72 seconds. The 4x400 team is in ninth place (3:24.87) and the DMR squad ranks eighth (10:44.57).
Ptak's Summit Award streak dates back to the 2018 outdoor season.