NEW ORLEANS, La. – Jacksonville State sprinter Natasha Sturkie has earned 2011 All-Academic Team honors by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released on Thursday by the coaching organization.

The junior from Choccolocco, Ala. was one of 663 student-athletes named to the list and JSU was one of the 172 institutions represented. Jax State was one of just two Ohio Valley Conference schools who had student-athletes tabbed to the list. Eastern Illinois placed a pair on the academic listing.

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and have met either of the following athletic standards: for the indoor season, a student-athlete must have finished the regular season ranked in the national top 96 in an individual event or ranked in the national top 48 (collective listing) in a relay event on the official NCAA POP list provided by TFRRS.org; for the outdoor season, a student-athlete must have participated in any round of the NCAA Division I Championships (including preliminary rounds).

Sturkie, made the NCAA field in the 400 meter hurdles after posting a 59.28 at the Troy-hosted event. She was also a member of the Gamecocks' 4x400 meter relay team that earned a spot in the NCAA postseason. Her time in the hurdles ranked tops in the league and the 4x400 team's mark was the best in the OVC this year.

In the 4x400 she teamed with Elizabeth Bond, Shamira Barrett and Laveeta Oliver to earn a spot in the East Regional with a time of 3:38.15, which sets a new standard in the event at JSU for the third time this season. At the OVC Championships, the team carded a 3:42.71 to win the OVC. The 4x400 team etched their names in the OVC Record Book as it shattered a 20-year old record in the OVC. Murray State's 4x400 squad posted a time of 3:40.57 during the 1991 season.

All-Academic Team status will be announced on Thursday, August 11.