May 30, 2007

Garcia formally recognized as All-American by track and field coaches

METAIRIE, La. - Senior Jon Garcia (Stoneham, Mass./Stoneham HS) of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's outdoor track and field team has been formally recognized as an All-American.

Garcia was named an NCA Division III All-American by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association as a result of his performance at this year's NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Garcia finished first in the 110 meter hurdles at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh last Saturday afternoon. He won the race in 14.58 seconds.

"Jon is a special guy who has done great things for UMass Dartmouth, the athletic department, and the track and field program," said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Devlyn Lovell. "Any time you get a two-time national champion, it's special, and being named an All-American is just icing on the cake. He's just one of those kids who can do it all. We're lucky to have him here at UMass Dartmouth."

Garcia earned the fifth All-America honor of his career. He earned his fourth such honor by finishing fourth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships last season, while his previous first place finish was in the 55 meter hurdles at the 2006 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships. Garcia has also earned All-America honors by finishing seventh in the 55-meter hurdles at the 2005 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships and by finishing sixth in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2005 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships.