May 3, 2007

GREENSBORO, N.C. -

The Atlantic Coast Conference announced today the women's outdoor track and field accolades for the 2007 season as voted on by the league's head coaches. Wake Forest's Michelle Sikes was named the ACC Meet Most Valuable Track Performer, giving the her yet another honor in her stellar senior campaign.

The Lakewood, Ohio, native capped off an outstanding ACC Championship in April by capturing individual event titles in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter competitions. In addition to breaking a 23-year old ACC outdoor record in the 10,000 meters (32:58.20) at the event, Sikes is currently fifth nationally in the 1,500 meters (4:16.18), fifth in the 5,000 meters (15:47.48) and fourth in the 10,000 meters.

"Wake is always very proud of their student-athletes," head coach Annie Bennett commented.  "This award is another moment in a great senior campaign Michelle is having."

For her career, Sikes is a three-time All-American, has garnered seven All-ACC awards and in addition to her two individual championships from the ACC Outdoor Championships, she was also the 2007 ACC indoor champion in the 5,000m.

In November, Sikes was honored as a Rhodes Scholar, becoming Wake Forest's 11th since 1986.  At Oxford, she plans to pursue a Master of Science degree in global health science.  At Wake, she is majoring in mathematical economics with a minor in health policy and administration.

Miami's Amy Seward was selected as the ACC Meet Most Valuable Field Performer and Virginia Tech's Kristi Castlin was tabbed ACC Freshman of the Year. In addition, Virginia Tech's Dave Cianelli was named ACC Coach of the Year.

- WakeForestSports.com -