July 6, 2007
NEW ORLEANS - San Diego State track and field seniors Lisa Naucler and Dana VanWagner, along with juniors Monica Pacas and Christin Shibley, were among the 415 student-athletes to be named to the 2007 U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association's (USTFCCCA) Women's Division I All-Academic Track and Field Team.
Naucler, who competed in the 800- and 1,500-meter runs, qualified for the NCAA West Regionals in the 800 after she posted regional qualifying marks at the Aztec Invitational and at the Mountain West Conference Outdoor Championships in San Diego. The All-West Region performer is studying international security and conflict resolution at SDSU.
A recent master's degree recipient in homeland security, VanWagner was one of four Aztec pole vaulters to reach the NCAA regional event in Eugene, Ore. The Sparr, Fla., native cleared the necessary height to qualify for regionals seven different times, including five straight to end the regular season. At the conference meet, VanWagner finished in third place en route to earning all-league accolades.
Pacas, a psychology major, secured her spot at the West Regionals in her first attempt in the pole vault at the San Diego City Championships back in March. As the season progressed, Pacas registered four more qualifying marks, including a personal-best 13 feet, 1.50 inches at the MWC Championships.
The last of the group is another pole vaulter in Shibley. The Palmdale, Calif., native saved her best effort for last as she cleared the necessary 12-5.50 at the league meet to punch her ticket to Eugene. Not only did she qualify for regionals with her performance, she also established a new personal record eclipsing her previous best of 12-2.00 set in 2005.
The USTFCCCA honors Division I individuals for their academic and athletic achievements during the indoor and outdoor track season.
To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, one must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.25 and obtain an NCAA automatic or provisional qualifying mark for the most recent indoor championships or an outdoor regional qualifying mark in their respective event.