Adams State's Braun and Gersick, Abilene Christian's Vandendriessche, and Mansfield's Cummings Highlight USTFCCCA Division II Men's All-Academic Track and Field Team

109 Division II men's student-athletes recognized for athletic and academic success

by Shannon Murto, USTFCCCA

NEW ORLEANS -- July 14, 2008 -- At the end of the track and field season, it's easy to see which competitors had great seasons on the track and on the field. What is not so apparent from the stands is which competitors also achieve greatness in the classroom, a balancing act at the heart of the term "student-athlete." Four Division II student-athletes who know just how to achieve that balance of athletic and academic performance are Aaron Braun (Adams State), Camille Vandendriessche (Abilene Christian), Chris Cummings (Mansfield), and Matt Gersick (Adams State), as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced Monday the Men's 2008 Division II Indoor and Outdoor Scholar Athletes of the Year.

OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD

Aaron Braun, a junior from Fort Collins, Co., has been named the 2008 Division II Outdoor Track Scholar Athlete of the Year. Braun's season was highlighted by a win in the 1500m at the 2008 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships in May. He is also the 2008 USTFCCCA North Central Region Men's Track Athlete of the Year.

In the classroom, the math education major has been equally successfully. Over the course of his studies at Adams State, Braun has compiled a 3.75 GPA, and he plans to pursue a career as a math teacher and coach.

"Aaron is the definition of what a student-athlete should be. He is an incredible leader and role-model for the team, both in the classroom and on the track," said Adams State head coach Damon Martin.

The 2008 Division II Outdoor Field Scholar Athlete of the Year is Camille Vandendriessche of Abilene Christian. The senior from Paris, France won the 2008 NCAA Division II title in the decathlon, his second NCAA title in the event (2006). Majoring in journalism, Vandendriessche earned a cumulative GPA of 3.31 in his studies at Abilene Christian.

"Camille is the epitome of what a student-athlete should be. He is a coach's dream. His work ethic and pursuit of excellence carries over into every aspect of his life," said Wildcats head coach Don D. Hood. "It is a privilege to be able to work with a young man of his caliber. He is a great student, competitor, and person - exactly what we hope will be representative of Abilene Christian."

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD

Mansfield's Chris Cummings is the 2008 Division II Indoor Track Scholar Athlete of the Year after finishing second in the mile at the 2008 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in March and helping Mansfield's DMR to a ninth place finish at the meet. Cummings also finished fifth this year at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in the 1500m to earn All-American honors.

The graduate student and Mansfield native is studying education, with a stunning 3.95 GPA. Cummings has also served as Co-President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at Mansfield.

After an excellent indoor season that culminated in two All-American finishes at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships, Matt Gersick of Adams State has been named the 2008 Division II Indoor Field Scholar Athlete of the Year. Gersick finished second in the weight throw and fourth in the shot put at the NCAA Division II Indoor Championships in March.

Gersick, a junior from Pueblo West, Co., is a Human Performance and Physical Education major at Adams State, maintaining a stellar 3.86 GPA.

"Many people don't know that Matt had to overcome a severe knee injury that threatened his overall health. Despite that setback, which ended his football career, Matt has shined as an athlete and a student, a true testament to his character and his academic and athletic talents," said Grizzlies head coach Damon Martin.

DIVISION II ALL-ACADEMIC TRACK AND FIELD TEAM

In addition to the Scholar Athletes of the Year, the USTFCCCA also announced the men's 2008 Division II All-Academic Track and Field team. A total of 109 student-athletes representing 44 Division II institutions made up the men's 2008 All-Academic team.

Ashland led all institutions with eight student-athletes on the All-Academic team, followed closely by Grand Valley State (seven student-athletes) and Adams State (six student-athletes).

The USTFCCCA honors Division II individuals for their academic and athletic achievements during the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.

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.

The 2008 USTFCCCA Division II Men's All-Academic Track and Field Team