July 16, 2009

www.siusalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) announced that both the men's and women's Southern Illinois track and field teams earned All-Academic Team honors.

In addition to both teams being honored, three Salukis, Jake Deiters (discus), Jason Ordway (3,000-meter steeplechase) and Joe Paradiso (hammer throw) were named members of the men's 2009 Division I All-Academic Track and Field team. All three were indoor automatic or provisional qualifiers or outdoor regional qualifiers in their respective events.

A record total of 329 student-athletes representing 108 Division I institutions made up the men's 2009 All-Academic team.

The USTFCCCA honors Division I individuals for their academic and athletic achievements during the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.

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 either the NCAA Division I Indoor automatic or provisional qualifying standard or the NCAA Division I Outdoor regional or national qualifying standard in their respective event.

The women's team was one of 131 teams to be honored and carried a 3.27 cumulative grade point average for the 2008-09 school year. The men's team carried a 3.00 cumulative GPA and was one of 64 teams honored.

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 respective Division I Indoor or Outdoor National Championships and cumulative GPA.

To be nominated, the team must carry a minimum 3.000 cumulative grade-point average.