Pixler, Puga Headline 2009 Division II Women’s Track & Field Scholar Athletes of the Year

Pixler, Puga Headline 2009 Division II Women’s Track & Field Scholar Athletes of the Year



July 6, 2009



NEW ORLEANS – Four student-athletes who attained five individual national titles both indoors and outdoors in 2009 have added to their collection of hardware as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced Monday the Women’s 2009 Division II Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Scholar Athletes of the Year.



Those four athletes are Indoor Track Scholar Athlete Jessica Pixler (Seattle Pacific), Outdoor Track Scholar Athlete Ashley Puga (Northwest Nazarene), Outdoor Field Scholar Athlete Linda Rainwater (UC San Diego), and Indoor Field Scholar Athlete Jenna Schmidt (Central Missouri).



OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD



Puga, a native of Meridian, Idaho, graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Northwest Nazarene with a 3.95 cumulative grade point average in business administration and finance. Puga was the 800 meter champion at the Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships winning the event with a time of 2:07.24. She also competed in the 1500 meters at the national meet finishing eighth overall to earn her second USTFCCCA All-American honor.



Puga was the 2009 USTFCCCA Outdoor National Track and Field Athlete of the Year in Division II and was earlier named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. Puga ends her career at Northwest Nazarene as the most decorated student-athlete in school history.



Rainwater, the 2009 Division II Outdoor Field Scholar Athlete of the Year, won the NCAA Division II title in the high jump clearing 5’9.75” and was third in the heptathlon scoring 5,303 points. Both marks set new UC San Diego school records. At the California Collegiate Athletic Association Outdoor Championship meet she competed in five events, including the heptathlon, scoring 25 points to help lead the Tritons to the CCAA outdoor conference title. She won both the heptathlon and long jump at the conference meet.



Rainwater, a Goleta, Calif. native, is a junior at UC San Diego studying Visual Arts and maintains a 3.74 grade point average.


INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD



Seattle Pacific’s Jessica Pixler is this year’s Division II Indoor Track Scholar Athlete of the Year after winning two national titles in March at the Division II Indoor National Championships. The SPU standout and Sammamish, Wash. native won both the mile and 5,000 meter titles to help SPU to a sixth-place team finish.



Pixler, a junior majoring in English, carries a 3.92 cumulative grade point average. She was named Seattle Pacific’s Athlete of the Year for the third straight time following her success this track and field season. Pixler now has eight national titles under her belt spanning the cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.



Central Missouri’s Jenna Schmidt is the Division II Indoor Field Scholar Athlete of the Year for 2009. Schmidt, a sophomore from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, maintains a 3.84 cumulative grade point average in Sociology. She was the high jump national champion indoors clearing 5’9.75” as Central Missouri finished third overall in the team standings. Schmidt also won the high jump title at the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association outdoor championships and finished fourth overall in the triple jump at the conference meet.



In addition to the Scholar Athletes of the Year, the USTFCCCA also announced the women’s Division II All-Academic Track and Field Team. A total of 250 student-athletes representing 73 Division II colleges and universities made up the 2009 All-Academic team.



For the second straight year Grand Valley State led the way with the most student-athletes on the list with 20, followed by Missouri Southern State with ten student-athletes on the list. Minnesota State University had nine student-athletes selected to the All-Academic team.



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



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.



2009 USTFCCCA Division II Women’s All-Academic Track and Field Team:



ATHLETE NAME
INSTITUTION

Kim Prather
Abilene Christian University

Janette Cary
Adams State College

Lindsey Grasmick
Adams State College

Amanda Gylling
Adams State College

Renee Harris
Adams State College

Lavenna Mullenbach
Adams State College

Vanessa Roy
Adams State College

Heather Wood
Adams State College

Danielle Lyons
Adelphi University

Kristene Crockett
Angelo State University

Brittney Heath
Angelo State University

Sara Hooker
Angelo State University

Kyndel Howell
Angelo State University

Andria Nussey
Angelo State University

Cathryn Rittenberry
Angelo State University

Elise Bottarini
Ashland University

Abby Kascandi
Ashland University

Alissa Klaehn
Ashland University

Michelle Stark
Ashland University

Stephanie Tinney
Ashland University

Miranda Wagner
Augustana College (South Dakota)

Kathryn Hickey
Bellarmine University

Kelsey Love
Bellarmine University

Meghan Shagena
Bellarmine University

Kristi Buerkle
Bemidji State University

Melinda Bastian
Benedict College

Franziska Dobler
California State University, Los Angeles

Shianne Smith
California State University, Los Angeles

Vivien Wadeck
California State University, Los Angeles

Jasimen Bailey
California State University, Stanislaus

Rosemary Feikert
California State University, Stanislaus


Danielle Malay
California University of Pennsylvania

Marcie Mullen
Central Washington University

Victorria Self
Central Washington University

Julia Bayer
Chadron State College

Stacy Girard
Chadron State College

Diane Kress
Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Erin Richard
Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Molly Smathers
Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Melanie Peddle
Colorado School of Mines

Janelle Smith
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

Rachael Lanzel
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Jacquelyn Jacobs
Emporia State University

Katelyn Mona
Emporia State University

Jaclyn Sill
Emporia State University

Renae Weaver
Emporia State University

Christy Weller
Emporia State University

Christina Muir
Ferris State University

Paige Onweller
Ferris State University

Mikinzie Stuart
Ferris State University

Carissa Heim
Fort Hays State University

Kelsey Martin
Fort Hays State University

Darcie Schmitz
Fort Hays State University

Morgan Witzel
Fort Hays State University

Katie Alfredson
Grand Valley State University

Lynsey Ardingo
Grand Valley State University

Lauren Buresh
Grand Valley State University

Eileen Creutz
Grand Valley State University

Maegan Doyen
Grand Valley State University

Kelly Gibbons
Grand Valley State University

Christi Kettelhut
Grand Valley State University

Kellie Kieren
Grand Valley State University

Monica Kinney
Grand Valley State University

Amy Kolin
Grand Valley State University

Megan Maceratini
Grand Valley State University

Stephanie McCarthy
Grand Valley State University

Karie McDonald
Grand Valley State University

Emily McKerchie
Grand Valley State University

Dianna Noonan
Grand Valley State University

Kirsten Nozime
Grand Valley State University

Sara Parks
Grand Valley State University

Susie Rivard
Grand Valley State University

Shaylee Vanderbaan
Grand Valley State University

Heather VanderSlik
Grand Valley State University

Kathryn Hunt
Hillsdale College

Sarah Kauk
Hillsdale College

Anna Leutheuser
Hillsdale College

Amanda Putt
Hillsdale College

Marta Scheiwe
Hillsdale College

Jennifer Shaffer
Hillsdale College

Madeleine Outman
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Joanna Horstmann
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Kathleen Scott
Lake Superior State University

Julie Jarrett
Lewis University

Christine Kustra
Lewis University

Amanda Lewis
Lewis University

Racquel Anderson
Lincoln University of Missouri

Jhanell Brown
Lincoln University of Missouri

Nandelle Cameron
Lincoln University of Missouri

Okine Codlyn
Lincoln University of Missouri

Monique Robinson
Lincoln University of Missouri

Tia Rolle
Lincoln University of Missouri

Carla Thomas
Lincoln University of Missouri

Natoya Thompson
Lincoln University of Missouri

Alyssa Douma
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Lindsey Lambert
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Alaina Leonard
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Shala Simms
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

Priscilla Jennings
Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Kristina Anderson
Minnesota State University Moorhead

Jennifer Hensel
Minnesota State University Moorhead

DeeRae Honl
Minnesota State University Moorhead

Sara Julsrud
Minnesota State University Moorhead

Ashley Roemer
Minnesota State University Moorhead

Alison Streyle
Minnesota State University Moorhead

Brittany Henderson
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Megan Hutchinson
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Whitney Kroschel
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Kelsey Leonard
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Kaycie Merrihew
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Laura Palmer
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Katelin Rains
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Andrea Sellers
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Lauren Stelten
Minnesota State University, Mankato

Kara Eckard
Missouri Southern State University

Kari Fritchie
Missouri Southern State University

Nicole Green
Missouri Southern State University

Ciara Lipsey
Missouri Southern State University

Carita Riutta
Missouri Southern State University

Kimi Shank
Missouri Southern State University

Erin Steffens
Missouri Southern State University

Cortney Vie
Missouri Southern State University

Courtney Waltbillig
Missouri Southern State University

Jill Weeks
Missouri Southern State University

Tamara McCaskill
Missouri University of Science & Technology

Aubrey Moore
Missouri University of Science & Technology

Julianne Hoekzema
Northern Kentucky University

Amanda Madden
Northern State University

Tanya Vassar
Northern State University

Audrey Bailey
Northwest Missouri State University

Emily Churchman
Northwest Missouri State University

Tierney Eaton
Northwest Missouri State University

Hannah Henry
Northwest Missouri State University

Anna O'Brien
Northwest Missouri State University

Jamie Beaty
Northwest Nazarene University

Elisa Decker
Northwest Nazarene University

Ashley Puga
Northwest Nazarene University

Jaclyn Puga
Northwest Nazarene University

Kristin Cameron
Northwood University (Michigan)

Kylen Cieslak
Northwood University (Michigan)

Brittney Graff
Pittsburg State University

Venessa Lee
Pittsburg State University

Michelle Mitchell
Pittsburg State University

Ali Shaffer
Pittsburg State University

Heidi Smith
Pittsburg State University

Leighann Dowell
Saginaw Valley State University

Maggie Stalker
Saginaw Valley State University

Sheena Johns
Saint Augustine's College

Lisa Anderberg
Seattle Pacific University

Kelsey Burns
Seattle Pacific University

Kate Harline
Seattle Pacific University

Jane Larson
Seattle Pacific University

Jennifer Pike
Seattle Pacific University

Jessica Pixler
Seattle Pacific University

Jeeni Schantin
Seattle Pacific University

Lauren VerMulm
Seattle Pacific University

Amanda Ponsonby
Seton Hill University

Katherine Craven
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Mary Dell
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shannon Hare
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Laura Henzy
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Erica Hess
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Abigail Huber
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Lauren Redington
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Neely Spence
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Lacey Cochran
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Jen Harpp
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Laura Mucho
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Amanda Seigworth
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Allison Smith
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Tiffany Tedesco
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Jenny Blair
Southwest Baptist University

Sarah Bowling
Southwest Baptist University

Heather Miller
St. Cloud State University

Jennifer Gardynski
Stonehill College

Erin Calvelage
The University of Findlay

Stephanie Charnigo
The University of Findlay

Hilary Esselstein
The University of Findlay

Alyssa Hatala
The University of Findlay

Ashley Jennings
The University of Findlay

Erin Lines
The University of Findlay

Lindsey Schmitmeyer
The University of Findlay

Kristen Ameling
Tiffin University

Andrea Bader
Tiffin University

Katrina Biermann
Truman State University

Shaina Dochtermahn
Truman State University

Kortney Holeman
Truman State University

Danna Kelly
Truman State University

Rebecca Hilt
University of Alabama in Huntsville

Latrice Johnson
University of Alabama in Huntsville

Ardrienna Everett
University of Alaska Anchorage

Stephanie Trenholm
University of Alaska Anchorage

Marie Archer
University of California, San Diego

Kelly Fogarty
University of California, San Diego

Anna Lee McGregor
University of California, San Diego

Leah Murphy
University of California, San Diego

Linda Rainwater
University of California, San Diego

Brianna Schofield
University of California, San Diego

Katie Skorupa
University of California, San Diego


Lindsay Lettow
University of Central Missouri

Kayla Muyskens
University of Central Missouri

Brittanie Roldan
University of Central Missouri

Jenna Schmidt
University of Central Missouri

Angela Selby
University of Central Missouri

Kelsey Barry
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Kaitlin Frier
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Courtney Kuzmicz
University of Indianapolis

Emily Schaf
University of Indianapolis

Amy Schmitz
University of Indianapolis

Kristen Stewart
University of Mary

Jacqui Barrett
University of Massachusetts at Lowell

Sarah Brassard
University of Massachusetts at Lowell

Haley Catarius
University of Massachusetts at Lowell

Lauren Raimondi
University of Massachusetts at Lowell

Elizabeth Crane
University of Minnesota Duluth

Kristin Haak
University of Minnesota Duluth

Maria Swanson
University of Minnesota Duluth

Jessie Golden
University of Nebraska at Kearney

Michelle May
University of Nebraska at Kearney

Cameron Smith
University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kayla Koepke
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Maja Mihalinec
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Heather Minssen
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Rasheema Pitt
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Anja Puc
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Pinar Saka
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Shannon Gagne
University of New Haven

Mary Ballinger
University of Southern Indiana

Lauren Crick
University of Southern Indiana

Adrienne Curtis
University of Southern Indiana

Lacy Williams
University of Southern Indiana

Erica Nixon
University of the District of Columbia

Lauren Pratt
University of the Incarnate Word

Je'Marca Tremble
University of the Incarnate Word

Hayley Watts
University of the Incarnate Word

Jadrianne Lippman
Wayne State College (Nebraska)

Paige Pollard
Wayne State College (Nebraska)

Katie Wilson
Wayne State College (Nebraska)

Megan Zavorka
Wayne State College (Nebraska)

Annan Applebee
Western Oregon University

Casey Hagen
Western State College of Colorado

Chelsea Murray
Western State College of Colorado

Lisa Thomas
Western State College of Colorado

Lauren Breihof
Western Washington University

Clara Cook
Western Washington University

Heidi Dimmitt
Western Washington University

Rachael Johnson
Western Washington University

Christen Miller
Western Washington University

Lauren Brown
Winona State University

Caitlin Dhein
Winona State University






Shannon Wright

U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association

504-599-8900 (office)

504-599-8909 (fax)

Shannon@ustfccca.org