July 29, 2010

Pocatello, ID - The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) named six Bengals to the Division I All-Academic Track and Field Team Thursday afternoon. Sam Pierson, John Ricardi and Eric Strand were named to the men's team while Kylee Gleason, Cassie Merkley and Erica Wendt-Richardson were named to the women's team.

Pierson, a pole vaulter, earned his third straight USTFCCCA All-Academic Honor as he was named in 2008 and 2009 as well, while Merkley, a multi-event athlete, earned her third after being named in 2007 and 2008. Ricardi, a distance runner, earned his second All-Academic Honor as he was also named in 2007, while Wendt-Richardson earned her second as she was named in 2009.

The Division I Men's team posted a record total of 357 student-athletes earning All-Academic Honors representing 118 institutions. The Division I Women's team also posted a record total with 557 student-athletes earning Honors from 152 institutions.

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 participated in the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships (including preliminary rounds) in their respective event.

Those institutions given All-Academic Team status will be named on Monday, August 2 (men) and Tuesday, August 3 (women).