Degen named to all-academic team

NEW ORLEANS - Simpson's All-American discus thrower, Chelsey Degen, landed a spot on the 2011 United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team, as announced Wednesday, Aug. 3.

A native of Algona, Iowa, Degen was one of 328 students-athletes representing 102 institutions on the team. In all, the Iowa Conference (IIAC) placed 33 on the team, third-most in the nation.

USTFCCCA Release and complete All-Academic Team

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 and have met an NCAA automatic or provisional qualifying marks in an individual or relay event. Participation in an NCAA Championship also fulfills the athletic component of All-Academic qualification.

Degen, a sports administration and management major, graduated in May with a 3.748 GPA. She earned her first All-American certificate in 2011 when she placed eighth in the discus at the 2011 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships on May 28 in Delaware, Ohio. In all, she participated in the NCAA Championships all four years, placing ninth as a sophomore. She won the 2011 IIAC Championship in the discus and is the school record-holder at 151-feet, 2-inches.