FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2008

Selby-Tallman Named Track Coaches Association Field Scholar Athlete of the Year

New Orleans, La. -- Missouri Southern senior thrower Jessica Selby-Tallman headlines a list of eight Lion women that were named to the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Team. Selby-Tallman was named the organization's Outdoor Field Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Selby-Tallman, a native of Galena, Mo. won the national title in the hammer throw this year and placed second in the shot put, helping the Lions to an 11th place finish at this years NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. She has been named an All-American four times in indoor and outdoor track and was an eight-time undefeated MIAA shot put champion (both indoor and outdoor). She picked up her third-straight MSSU Female Athlete of the Year award this past May.

Joining Selby-Tallman on the All-Academic team are Kara Eckard (Warresnburg, Mo.), Victoria Kline (Fairland, Okla.), Carita Riutta (Espoo, Finland),  Jesica Self (Neosho, Mo.) Kimi Shank (Rolla, Mo.), Cortney Vie (Lone Jack, Mo.) and Jill Weeks (Brownell, Kan.).

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and have met the NCAA Division II Indoor or Outdoor automatic or provisional qualifying standard in their respective event.