July 6, 2009

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

by Shannon Wright, USTFCCCA

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