From LBSU reports

Long Beach State track and field/cross country will honor its 2008 men’s and women’s teams, in addition to a number of outstanding individual performers at its annual postseason banquet which will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at The Grand. The awards ceremony is sponsored by Asics America.

The Beach will recognize its men’s track and field team that claimed its fifth Big West Conference title, and second in the last three years. All-Americans Brent Gray (Track Athlete of the Year) and Chris Richardson (Field Athlete of the Year) were a big part of the 49ers’ success as they each picked up postseason awards, while on the women’s side, Phylicia Johnson was tabbed the Big West Freshman of the Year. Head coach Andy Sythe was also named the 2008 BWC Men’s Track and Field Coach of the Year.

Long Beach State continued its run after conference action as it had nine women and 12 men automatically qualify for the NCAA Regionals, with six athletes advancing to the NCAA Championships.

The 49er cross country teams will also be honored as they recently wrapped up their 2008 campaign with strong showings at the NCAA West Regionals in Stanford, Calif.

The afternoon will get underway with a social at 1 p.m., followed by lunch and the awards program starting at 2:30 p.m. The cost per person is $35. For more information, contact Andy Sythe at (562) 985-4666 or asythe@csulb.edu.