March 12, 2009

EAST STROUDSBURG - Junior Niki Pasquarella and freshman Greg Laraia represent East Stroudsburg University on the 2008 NCAA Division II U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Teams.

Pasquarella (Pipersville/Palisades) is one of 35 PSAC women student-athletes recognized by the USTFCCCA. She was the top ESU finisher in all seven meets in which she competed during the 2008 season, including a fifth-place finish at the Don Cathart Invitational and a sixth-place finish at the Lock Haven Invitational. She took the 31st spot at this year's PSAC Championships after placing 32nd in 2007.

Laraia (Newburg, N.Y./Newburgh), one of 29 PSAC men to receive this honor, was consistent all season, finishing second on the team in three meets. He finished eighth overall at the Lock Haven Invitational and was the top ESU finisher at the Fordham Invite at 27th overall.

To qualify for individual All-Academic honors, the student-athlete must have sophomore academic standing, maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA, and finish in the top 30 percent at their respective regional cross country championships.