May 25, 2007

ERIE, Pa. - Mecyhurst College's Michele Handzel was chosen to the Division II Pocock All-American team by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA). Handzel and teammated Alexandria Bogart were also recognized for excellence in the classroom as CRCA Scholar-Athletes.

Both student-athletes received their honors for the first time.

Handzel filled an impressive list of requirements to earn the All-American nod. To earn the honor, a student-athlete must row in the varsity boat in at least 75 percent of her team's races. Upon meeting that requirement, nominees are selected based on strength of schedule, regular season record, end of season regatta results, nomination rank, coach's comments and a 2,000 meter erg score.

To earn selection as a scholar-athlete, Handzel and Bogart met the following requirements. One must have a GPA of at least 3.5, be in at least her second year of eligibility and compete in at least 75 percent of the team's spring races.

Handzel is a junior pre-pharmacy major from Baldwinsville, New York. Bogart is a junior bio-chemistry major from Wexford, Pennsylvania.