Wednesday, July 11, 2007

NEW ORLEANS – Four Atlantic Sun student-athletes and two universities were recognized by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association on Tuesday for their respective academic excellence.

Gardner-Webb University and Jacksonville University were among the 97 schools recognized as 2007 All-Academic Track and Field teams. Gardner-Webb's cumulative GPA of 3.385 ranked 12th nationally. Gardner-Webb was represented on the USTFCCCA 2007 Women’s All-Academic Team by junior Elizabeth Maxwell.

Maxwell, who competed in multiple throws events for the Gardner-Webb track and field team, recorded a mark of 12.99m (42’7.50”) at the A-Sun Championship to win the shot put event. While competing at the A-Sun Championship, Maxwell finished well in every event in which she competed and was named Most Outstanding Field Performer.

Jacksonville earned its sixth consecutive USTFCCCA All-American team honor. The Dolphins, who won both the Atlantic Sun Indoor and Outdoor Championships for the second straight year, earned the honor after posting a 3.046 GPA.

Individually, sophomore Natasha Harvey earned a spot of the USTFCCCA All-Academic team for the second consecutive year, while freshman Alison Ritter was also named to the All-Academic team.

Campbell's Alicia Valtin was the fourth student-athlete from the Atlantic Sun to earn a spot on the 2007 USTFCCCA All-Academic Track & Field Team.

This year, the graduating senior finished 19th in the 3000m steeplechase at the national meet becoming just the second Campbell female to qualify for the NCAA Championships. She also won the A-Sun outdoor (17:55.73) and indoor (16:48.35 – school record) titles in the 5000m, and the A-Sun indoor championship in the mile (5:06.30).

Over her career, she was named Atlantic Sun Athlete of the Week nine times.

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track & Field Team, an athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and must have met the NCAA Division I regional or national qualifying standard in her event. For a team to be nominated, the team must carry a minimum 3.000 GPA.