April 29, 2010

Northeast-10 Conference Release

Junior Angus MacDonald (Methuen, MA) and senior Jacqui Barrett (Woburn, MA) were named the recipients of the Northeast-10 Conference Track and Field Scholar-Athlete Sport Excellence Awards, the Conference announced Wednesday.

The awards are presented to one student-athlete per conference-sponsored sport each year who excels in the classroom and playing field. The honors are chosen by a vote of a committee of athletic administrators and Faculty Athletic Representatives (FARs).

The honor is the latest major athletic/academic award for MacDonald, who also received the Sport Excellence Scholar Award for cross country. Both MacDonald and Barrett were also recently cited to the NE-10 Track and Field All-Academic Teams.

MacDonald's magnificent cross country season, which saw him earn an All-American, All-East Region and All-Conference status, has parlayed into the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.

MacDonald was a two-time All-American during the indoor season in both the mile (eighth, 4:15.04) and the distance medley relay (eighth, 10:15.51) and also led UMass Lowell to the New England Championship in the latter (9:53.97).

Through the outdoor season, MacDonald has qualified for the NCAA Championship in two events: he currently ranks 14th in the 1,500 meters (3:50.32) and 20th in the 5,000 meters (14:29.69).

A mathematics major, MacDonald has maintained a 3.41 grade point average.

The honor is the latest for Barrett, who has enjoyed a sensational senior year. Currently, she ranks No. 1 in the country in the shot put with a distance of 49 feet, 11.75 inches, achieved at Princeton's Larry Ellis Invitational.

Barrett's success outdoors followed an indoor season which saw her earn All-American honors by placing second at the NCAA Championship. Barrett had held the lead with a distance of 49' 4.25'' until Kelly Ash of Ashland University threw 51' 1.0'' on her last attempt.

Barrett also highlighted the indoor season by winning the NE-10 Conference title (47' 7.25'') and placing second at the New England Championship (48' 11.5''). She was named the 2010 East Region Field Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

Also a model student, Barrett has maintained a 3.56 grade point average as a psychology major.