Still finishes third in Ken B. Jones Award balloting

Missouri Southern State University senior Mary Still (Carthage, Mo.) finished third in the race for the 2003-04 Ken. B. Jones Award, honoring the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association’s student-athlete of the year.

In an extremely tight race, Still ended with 12 points, just four behind winner Kate Hamera from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Pittsburg State’s Abby Oshel tallied 14 points and placed second in the balloting.

Still received one first-place vote, three for second place and three for third.

Hamera became the third track & field/cross country student-athlete to win the award in as many years. Pittsburg State’s Jeanette Mott won the award in 2001-02 and Emporia State’s Sarah Wuertz captured the honor last year.

The awards are named for the MIAA’s first full time commissioner, who returned in 1997 after 16 years of service to the conference. Jones passed away on May 9.

An 11-member panel of athletics directors, sports information directors, senior women’s administrators and faulty athletics representatives –– including a representative from each school –– selects the winners. Judging is done in four areas for each nominee, 2003-04 athletic accomplishments, 2003-04 academic accomplishments, 2003-04 campus/community service and career athletic, academic and service achievements.

Voting took place in late May. To be nominated, a student-athlete must have a 3.00 cumulative grade-point average as of April 1, and complete at least their junior season of eligibility in the 2003-04 academic year.

Still finished as national runner-up in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2004 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships last weekend. She ended her career as a six-time All-America, a six-time MIAA champion and 24-time all-conference performer in track & field.

In the classroom, Still graduated with honors last month. She earned degrees in psychology and English and maintained a 3.981 GPA. Still is also vying for her third CoSIDA Academic All-America honor this year.


	June 4, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Still finishes third in Ken B. Jones Award balloting Missouri Southern State University senior Mary Still (Carthage, Mo.) finished third in the race for the 2003-04 Ken. B. Jones Award, honoring the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association’s student-athlete of the year. In an extremely tight race, Still ended with 12 points, just four behind winner Kate Hamera from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Pittsburg State’s Abby Oshel tallied 14 points and placed second in the balloting. Still received one first-place vote, three for second place and three for third. Hamera became the third track & field/cross country student-athlete to win the award in as many years. Pittsburg State’s Jeanette Mott won the award in 2001-02 and Emporia State’s Sarah Wuertz captured the honor last year. The awards are named for the MIAA’s first full time commissioner, who returned in 1997 after 16 years of service to the conference. Jones passed away on May 9. An 11-member panel of athletics directors, sports information directors, senior women’s administrators and faulty athletics representatives –– including a representative from each school –– selects the winners. Judging is done in four areas for each nominee, 2003-04 athletic accomplishments, 2003-04 academic accomplishments, 2003-04 campus/community service and career athletic, academic and service achievements. Voting took place in late May. To be nominated, a student-athlete must have a 3.00 cumulative grade-point average as of April 1, and complete at least their junior season of eligibility in the 2003-04 academic year. Still finished as national runner-up in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2004 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships last weekend. She ended her career as a six-time All-America, a six-time MIAA champion and 24-time all-conference performer in track & field. In the classroom, Still graduated with honors last month. She earned degrees in psychology and English and maintained a 3.981 GPA. Still is also vying for her third CoSIDA Academic All-America honor this year.