NEW ORLEANS ? UC San Diego's men's and women's track and field programs were both recognized as 2008 USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Teams when the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced the top Division II academic teams in the country last month. Individually, 11 Tritons from the women's side were also named to the all-academic squad for their performance in the classroom.

The selection of the All-Academic Indoor and Outdoor Scholar Teams of the Year award is based on a combination of academic and athletic achievements, with the top honor going to the team that had the combination of best overall finish at the Division II National Championships and cumulative GPA. To be nominated, the team must carry a minimum 3.000 cumulative grade-point average.

The University of Tampa led all institutions on both the men's and the women's side, carrying cumulative team GPAs of 3.42 and 3.67, respectively. The UCSD men ranked 20th nationally with a team GPA of 3.06, while the women's mark of 3.19 ranked 42nd.

A total of 27 Division II programs made up the men's 2008 All-Academic Teams and a total of 58 schools made the cut for the women.

In addition to recognizing programs with the highest cumulative team GPA, the USTFCCCA also honored individual student athletes with 11 members of the UC San Diego women's squad earning a spot on the Division II All-Academic Track and Field squad.

To qualify 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.

"We're so proud that both the men's a women's team achieved All-Academic recognition again this year,” head coach Darcy Ahner said. “Coming off such a successful season and then finishing the year with several All-Academic distinctions validates more than ever that our mission to have an outstanding balanced athletic and academic program is realized here at UCSD."

A total of 222 student-athletes representing 69 Division II colleges and universities made up the 2008 All-Academic women's team.

2008 USTFCCCA Division II All-Academic Track and Field Team Selections
Diane Dunn     
Kelly Fogarty    
Melissa Karnaze    
Kayleigh Knudson    
Emily McGregor    
Anna McGregor    
Leah Murphy    
Linda Rainwater    
Breanna Schofield    
Katherine Skorupa    
Christina Sloyer    

Information in this release courtesy of www.ustfccca.com