May 13, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - Thirteen Red Raiders were named to the 2008 Academic All-Big 12 Track and Field team announced by the Big 12 Conference.

The men had five on the first team that includes Eric Ayala (exercise sport science), Michael Cast (mechanical engineering), Shawon Harris (masters in exercise sports science), Cory Higgins (engineering) and Nathan Lowry (biology).

Paden Behrens (business), Brett McDaniel (business) and Brian Porter (exercise sports science) were named to the second team.

The women also had five named to the first team including Janell Appelhans (chemical engineering), Julianne Kennedy (exercise sport science), Patience Knight (wildlife management and range management), Ozie Okolie (nutritional science) and Kelley Schulz (general studies).

To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 grade point average or higher cumulative for the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of his team's scheduled contests. First-team members must hold a 3.2 GPA or higher to qualify, while second-team honorees have to fall between 3.0 and 3.19. Freshmen 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 also eligible.