Aug. 8, 2008

NACOGDOCHES - The ultimate goal for every SFA athlete was realized Saturday for five student-athletes. Ladyjack basketball standout Jessica Gaines, and track and field athletes Sumbo Adeniran, Alecia Green, Wade Whittington and Kristina Windham participated in the August Commencement ceremonies.

Gaines enters the final season on the Ladyjack basketball team as key figure for head coach Lee Ann Riley's troops over the past three years. Gaines was an integral of the Ladyjacks run to the 2006 Southland Conference regular-season, and tournament titles. She enters the year as one of the top returning three-point threats in the league.

All four members of the SFA track and field team have had a significant impact on the program. Each one has been either a conference champion, or all-conference selection during their time on campus.

A former team co-captain, Adeniran is a three-time all-conference selection who won the 2007 SLC indoor long jump title. Green has been a key figure for the Ladyjack sprinters and jumpers. She earned all-conference honors with her runner-up finish in the 60-meter dash in 2006. Whittington leaves SFA as the school record holder in the javelin. A former NCAA regional qualifier in the event, Whittington won the SLC individual title during his freshman season. Windham has been one of the top pole vaulters in the SLC for the past four seasons. She leaves SFA as a four-time all-conference selection.

-SFA-