April 27, 2004

LUBBOCK, Texas - The Big 12 Conference honored 257 student-athletes, of which 19 were Red Raiders, named to the 2004 Men and Women's Track & Field Academic All-Big 12 teams, the conference office announced today.

Senior Tracie Akerhielm, sophomore Dana Rosenbladt, sophomore Abby Schubert and senior Megan Schuessler were members of an elite group of 20 student-athletes who maintain a 4.0 grade point average. This is the third honor for Schuessler who has earned first-team honors with a 4.0 GPA every semester. These first-team members were joined by senior Ashley Rodgers, junior Kelly Blikre, junior Stefanie Calhoun, junior Geralda Dukuly, junior Brionne Yosten, sophomore Krista Grantham and sophomore Katie Leonard. Second team members on the women's side include seniors Rachelle Evans and Bliss Williams.

On the men's side senior Kenneth Wilson, junior Adam Lawless, junior Matt Stewart and redshirt freshman Sage Thames were all placed on the men's first team. Juniors Bobby Most and Jared Thornhill earned second-team honors.

Nominated by each institution's director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the track and field academic all-league squads consisted of 204 first-team members combined with 53 on the second team. First-team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, while the second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 or higher GPA either cumulative of the two previous semesters and must have participate in 60 percent of his/hers team's scheduled contests. Freshman and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are eligible.