May 22, 2003

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell rower, Julie Engel (Niskayuna, N.Y./Niskayuna) was named to the 2003 Verizon Academic All-District II at-large first-team on Thursday, May 22. Candidates must have a minimum 3.20 cumulative grade-point average and be a starter or key reserve.

Engel completed the spring semester with an impressive 4.00 grade point average and owns a 3.92 cumulative g.p.a. The junior has made Dean's List seven semesters at Bucknell, as a mechanical engineer student.

The at-large squad encompasses nearly two dozen NCAA-sponsored sports, crew included, that do not have their own Academic All-America voting.

Engel was named to the 2002 USRowing Collegiate Honor Roll in this past fall. She is also a member of the Bucknell Brigade and is the secretary of Tau Beta Pi, an engineering society.

During the fall season, Engel placed second in the singles race at the King's Head Regatta. She also participated in the eight boat at the Schuylkill Regatta.

As the spring season began, Engel focused on the pair races with teammate Rebecca Newman. The pair placed first out of a six boat competition at the Occoquan Sprints. The varsity pair went on to place first out of 12 boats in front of Tulsa, Indiana and University of Massachusetts at the Knecht Cup. The pair competed in the National Selection Regatta I at the end of April.

In May, Engel assisted the pair to a first place finish at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship and in the Dad Vail. The win was Engel's third Dad Vail medal. The pair also assisted Bucknell Crew to an overall second place honor at the Dad Vail.

Joining Engel on the women's at-large first team in District II was West Virginia rower Kate Abernethy, Monmouth tennis player Gina Fay, West Virginia gymnast Amanda Halovanic, Rutgers fencer Alexis Jemel, University of Baltimore County tennis player Lana Khvalina, Rutgers swimmer Erin McIntyre, Duquesne rower Predmore, University of Maryland lacrosse player Julie Shank, and University of Delaware field hockey member Kim Wagaman.

Engel is now eligible for the national Verizon Academic All-America team. Bucknell is third in Division I in total Academic All-Americans (104) behind only Nebraska and Notre Dame.