Women's Team, four individuals honored for academic excellence

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee's women's track team as well as individuals Antranette Stringer, Festus Chemaoi, Carlos Morgan and William Songock were all recognized for academic excellence by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) this week.

The Blue Raider women carry a team grade-point-average of 3.11 and were one of 117 Division I women's track and field programs recognized as 2008 USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Teams. To be nominated, the team must carry a minimum 3.000 team cumulative grade-point-average.

Stringer was one of a record total of 468 female student-athletes representing 140 Division I institutions composing the women's 2008 All-Academic team. The Hephzibah, Ga., native carries a 3.27 GPA in Child Development and Family Services at Middle Tennessee. She qualified for the NCAA Mideast Regional in the 100-meters this spring.

A record total of 266 male student-athletes representing 111 Division I institutions made up the men's 2008 All-Academic team, including Chemaoi, Morgan and Songock.

Chemaoi was voted the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year indoors and outdoors and qualified for the NCAA Mideast Regional in the steeplechase. He carries a 3.71 GPA in Business Administration.

Songock was an All-SBC selection in cross country last fall as well as indoor and outdoor track and participated in the regional in the 5000-meters. He has a 3.94 GPA in Liberal Studies.

Morgan competed at the NCAA regional in the long jump and javelin. He owns a 3.42 GPA in Wellness & Exercise Science.

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 either the NCAA Division I Indoor automatic or provisional qualifying standard or the NCAA Division I Outdoor regional or national qualifying standard in their respective event.