|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Missouri Southern Women's Track and Field Team Honored for Academic Excellence Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern State University Indoor and Outdoor Women's Track and Field Team has been recognized as one of the nation's best academically as announced by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association today. Southern had a cumulative grade point average of 3.390 last year, which ranked them 11th nationally. There were 44 Division II women's programs recognized as All-Academic Track and Field teams. To be nominated, a team must carry a minimum 3.0 GPA. Michigan Tech University finished with the nation's best GPA with a 3.580 mark. Pittsburg State finished seventh, while Emporia State was 16th and Truman was 23rd. In addition to the team awards, the Coaches Association gives out individual awards to student-athletes who have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and also obtained an NCAA qualifying mark in their respective event. Both Jessica Selby and Jessica Self earned individual honors for the Lions. Self had a 3.70 GPA as a health promotion and wellness major at Southern. The Neosho native had four of the top five discus distances this year for the Lions, and finished third at the MIAA Championships. Selby carries a perfect 4.00 GPA in communications at Southern and was a three-time All-American this year earning honors in the indoor and outdoor shot put, as well as the hammer throw. In total, 180 student-athletes represented by 57 Division II colleges and universities made up the list.
|