Feb. 13, 2008

NEW ORLEANS, La. - The 2007 NCAA Division II All-Academic Awards were announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) earlier this week, and two UWF student-athletes were among those honored. Women's Cross Country Senior Diana Sitar, and Men's Cross Country Senior Brian Gowin, each earned the National All-Academic award for their academic and athletic success.

Diana Sitar (Las Vegas, Nev.), an Exercise Science major, with a 3.87 overall GPA, was one of only 200 division II athletes to earn a spot on the All-Academic team. Sitar finished in 16th place in the fall South Regional race to earn a spot on the All-Regional 2nd team. The combination of the two accolades (academics and All-Regional racing performance) earned her a spot on the National All-Academic team. Sitar was also named to the GSC first team All-Academic team last month.

Brian Gowin (Pensacola, Fla.), an Accounting major, with a 3.46 overall GPA, was one of only 127 division II men's cross country athletes to earn a spot on the All-Academic team. Gowin finished in 9th place in the fall South Regional race to earn a spot on the All-Regional team. The All-Regional selection and the high GPA earned Gowin the National All-Academic Award to cap his Senior season.

To be eligible for the National All-Academic award, a student-athlete must have completed 24 semester or 36 quarter hours and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, the athletes must also finish in the top 30 percent of individual participants at their respective regional cross country championships. Therefore, Sitar and Gowin are among an elite group nationally to earn the award.