Fourteen Long Beach State athletes were honored today as the Big West Conference released the 2008 Big West Academic All-Conference Teams for Fall Sports.

Soccer led the way, as the Big West champions had seven players recognized for their dual efforts on the field and in the classroom.  Academic All-District honoree Lindsay Bullock was joined by Hayley Bolt, Kristen Kiefer, Liz Ramos, Mariko Strickland, Sarah Strohl and Tiffany Vaught as Academic All-Big West.

Women’s cross country also had multiple honorees, with five in Missy Barclay, Carly Harris, Jennifer Rodriguez, Melissa Velasquez and Kristina Wilson.  Steven DeCastro of men’s cross country and Laura Schuck of women’s volleyball rounded out Long Beach State’s selections.

To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must have made a significant contribution to their team, have finished their freshman year and carry a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher.

Additionally, three members of the 2008 Long Beach State men’s water polo squad were selected All-Academic All-MPSF student-athletes as announced by MPSF executive director Al Beaird Thursday afternoon.  Seniors Ashley Blythen and Pavle Filipovic and junior Justin Koeppen were awarded the honor based on their cumulative GPAs acquired at Long Beach State.  To make the All-Academic squad for the MPSF, student-athletes must have competed in at least fifty percent of the school’s competition schedule and must own a cumulative 3.0 or better.