June 20, 2003

ARLINGTON, Texas - The University of Texas at Arlington men's track team led the way on the Southland Conference All-Academic men's track team as James Mannering, Calvin Portley Jr. and Josh Rosenthal were all selected to the 11 man team announced by the conference office on Friday.

The all-academic team, voted on by the head coaches, sports information directors and academic/compliance administrators at SLC schools, honors those who have earned at least a 3.00 grade point average while serving as a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletic credentials. Student-athletes must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing within the institution and must have completed one full academic year there.

Mannering, a sophomore high jumper out of North Richland Hills, owns a 3.80 GPA in Business. He placed third at the 2003 SLC Outdoor Championships in the high jump with a jump of 6-5.50. During the season, Mannering jumped in five meets, clearing 6-5.50 in all five meets to place third at the UTA Open and at North Texas, and fourth at the UTA Invitational.

Portley, a senior hurdler from Dallas, owns a 3.00 GPA in Marketing. He regionally qualified in the 400 meter hurdles by running a personal best time of 52.12 at Wichita State. Portley also ran a 52.15 to finish fourth at Baylor. At the conference outdoor meet, Portley ran a 52.57 to finish third in the event. At the Midwest Regional Championships, Portley ran a 53.44. He was also a member of the indoor 1600m relay team that finished third at the SLC Championships.

Rosenthal, a junior hurdler from Carthage, owns a 3.10 GPA in Communication Technology. He just missed qualifying for the finals at the Midwest Regionals as he finished ninth in a time of 52.23. Rosenthal was the runner-up at the SLC Outdoor meet in the 400m hurdles in a time of 52.49. Rosenthal was also a member of the 1600m relay team that finished third at the indoor conference meet.