July 6, 2007

NEW ORLEANS - Wake Forest's Michelle Sikes has been named the 2007 Division I Outdoor Track & Field Scholar Athlete of the Year, as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced the 2007 Women's Division I All-Academic Track & Field Team on Thursday.

Demon Deacon track athletes Caitlin Chrisman, Lindsay Neuberger and Nicole Schappert were also named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team.

Sikes, a mathematical economics major, had one of the most remarkable years of any student-athlete in the country.

She won the 5000-meters at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Sacramento to become the first female track athlete in Wake Forest history to win an NCAA crown. Sikes also recently earned a spot on the USA World Championship team after finishing third in the 5000-meters at the USA Track & Field Championships.

"Michelle built confidence with each passing week and race. I have been very fortunate to work with such a wonderful young person who possesses so much passion, compassion and at the same time the desire and the ability to line up and challenge anyone at anytime. She has a bright future ahead of her, not only in athletics but professionally as well," head coach Annie Bennett said.

In addition to her many athletic accomplishments, Sikes recently received the Marge Crisp Award as Wake Forest's top female athlete for 2006-07 and earlier this year was named a Rhodes Scholar, as well as an Atlantic Coast Conference Postgraduate Scholar.

"She has dedicated herself all year while still maintaining her difficult academic schedule; graduating in Wake's Honor Program and interviewing and winning the Rhodes Scholar award the weekend of NCAA Cross Country championships," Bennett said. "She is a very goal-oriented individual, and she kept her eye on the target all season."

Arizona State University's Sarah Stevens was named the 2007 Division I Indoor Track & Field Scholar Athlete of the Year. Stevens helped lead the Sun Devils to both the indoor and outdoor team titles this season. She won the shot put national title indoors with a mark of 59'7", while finishing fifth in the weight throw.

415 student-athletes representing 117 Division I colleges and universities make up the All-Academic team.

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.