June 7, 2007

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - University of Maryland Eastern Shore's (UMES) Merrecia James (Portland, Jamaica/G.C. Foster College) was named to CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-District first team for Women's Track and Field/Cross Country on June 7.

The selection, the first of James' career, was voted on by district II members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and qualifies her for the All-America ballot. She currently carries a 4.0 GPA as an Exercise Science major.

James won three events at the 2007 MEAC Indoor Track Championships (the mile run, the 800m run - set a new conference mark in the process - and the 3000m run) and took home three more gold medals at the 2007 MEAC Outdoor Championships (the 800m run, 1500m run and the 5000m run in 17:41.41 - this set a new conference mark, previously held by former Hawk Eva Slavikova).

The freshman is the UMES Indoor and Outdoor record holder in the 800m run and qualified for the NCAA Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Regional Championships.

The voting period for the national ballot begins on Tuesday, June 12.