March 26, 2008

SAN DIEGO - The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its NCAA Division I rankings for the upcoming 2008 outdoor track and field season on Wednesday. Several Aztecs find themselves among the best in Division I in numerous events, while SDSU as a team is ranked No. 38 nationally.

The Aztecs' top-ranked athlete is 2007 All-American triple jumper Decontee Kaye. The junior earned a No. 4 preseason ranking in the triple jump, while senior Karoline Koehler came in at No. 9. San Diego State is the only school that boasts a pair of triple jumpers in the top 10.

Koehler and Kaye also find themselves among the nation's best in the long jump as Koehler is rated as the 28th-best athlete in the event, while Kaye is ranked No. 33.

Other Aztecs who received a ranking include:

Shana Solomon (Junior): No. 18 - 100m; No. 31 - 200m

Kristin Olafsdottir (Junior): No. 20 - Heptathlon

Monica Pacas (Senior): No. 21 - Pole Vault

Nicole Stone (Junior): No. 22 - 400m Hurdles; No. 34 - 400m

Mandy Upuu (Senior): No. 25 - 800m

Sherraine Pencil (Senior): No. 29 - 200m; No. 32 - 400m

Stephanie Bagan (Sophomore): No. 39 - Pole Vault

4x400-Meter Relay: No. 27

4x100-Meter Relay: No. 54

A complete breakdown of the rankings can be found at the USTFCCCA's official website, www.ustfccca.cstv.com.