RELEASE DATE: 5/22/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Chris Cummings Wins USTFCCCA East Region Track Athlete of the Year Honors

MANSFIELD – Junior standout Chris Cummings continues to add to his list of accomplishments. On Monday, Cummings was named by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) as the NCAA Division II East Region Male Track Athlete of the Year.

The awards are nominated by the NCAA coaches in each division, with Cummings earning top honors on the track this season. Chris will receive his award Wednesday evening at Emporia State University, the site of the Division II Track and Field Championships.

Earning the East region award also enters Cummings into the running for National Athlete of the Year award honors. The National athletes of the year will be announced Wednesday in Emporia as well.

Cummings was nominated by his stellar performance in the 1500 meters this season, running the fourth fastest time in the Nation for a division II athlete. He also won the PSAC Championship in the 1500.

Cummings is up against seven other male nominees for NCAA Division II Track Athlete of the Year, including the top seed in the 1500 at the National Championships.