KUTZTOWN, PA (August 16, 2010) – Steph Grimm added another exciting chapter to her sterling career by being named the women's cross-country recipient of the United States Track and Field Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division II post-graduate scholarship.

Grimm graduated from Kutztown in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Leisure and Sport Studies and Professional Writing. Grimm will attend East Stroudsburg University and pursue a Master's degree in Sports Management.

In addition to taking classes, Grimm will have two graduate assistantships. The first is working with the men's and women's cross country teams (which will also include working with mid-distance and distance during track) and the other is working part-time with the Office of Continuing Education/Summer Sessions.

“I was really excited because there are many talented scholar-athletes in DII who graduate every year and I had no idea how many of them had applied for the scholarship,” Grimm said.

Grimm enjoyed a strong senior year. As a member of the cross-country team, Grim helped the Golden Bears finish second at the Atlantic Regionals and 14th at the NCAA Division II Championships, which tied the highest finish in program history.

During the spring, Grimm helped Kutztown finish third overall at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) outdoor track and field championships. She finished sixth in the 1,500-meter run (4:44.31) and 15th in the 3,000-meter run (10:44.91) at the PSAC Championships. Grimm was second in the 3,000-meter run (10:34.44) at the Princeton Invitational. She was second in the 1,500-meter run (4:45.87) at the Kutztown Last Chance Invitational.

“I'm really happy for Steph,” Kutztown women's cross-country/track and field head coach Ray Hoffman said. “She has shown me so much dedication and determination over the two years she has been at KU.”

Grimm came to Kutztown after spending two years at West Virginia University. She has continued to excel in the classroom. Grimm was a two-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete, two-time Athletics Directors Association (DII ADA) Academic Achievement Award winner and a member of the USTFCCCA Scholar-Athlete team. Grimm enjoyed her time on and off the track at Kutztown.

“I learned to never underestimate yourself or your teammates,” Grimm said. “During my two years at Kutztown, I watched so many people, including myself, achieve beyond what they thought they were capable of running, jumping, vaulting, or throwing. Also, being a part of those teams and working with/talking to both Coach Hoffman and Coach White helped me decide to pursue a career in coaching.”

To be eligible and considered for a post-graduate scholarship, a student-athlete must have completed collegiate eligibility in all sports, earned an overall cumulative GPA of 3.25 and above, participated in NCAA D-II championship competition, or met NCAA D-II provisional qualifying standards in an indoor or outdoor track and field event, or earned All Region honors for cross country and demonstrated leadership qualities and community service activities as a member of their team.

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) is a non-profit professional organization representing cross country and track & field coaches of all levels. The organization represents over 8,000 coaching members encompassing 94% of all NCAA track & field programs (DI, DII, and DIII) and includes members representing the NAIA as well as a number of state high school coaches associations. The USTFCCCA serves as an advocate for cross country and track & field coaches, providing a leadership structure to assist the needs of a diverse membership, serving as a lobbyist for coaches' interests, and working as a liaison between the various stakeholders in the sports of cross country and track & field.

--KU--