Feb. 24, 2003

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Lafayette junior Mike Farrell has been named to the Verizon Academic All-District II Men's Basketball Team.

One of just five student-athletes selected in District II, Farrell leads the team and ranks third in the Patriot League in rebounding with 7.0 rebounds per game. The 6-8 power forward is also averaging 9.2 points per game.

Farrell has been a constant in the lineup for the Leopards since arriving on College Hill, having played in 81 straight games. The junior has started all but one game this season and started 28 of 29 contests last season.

His numbers in the classroom have also helped to set him apart. Farrell maintains a 3.29 GPA while majoring in American Studies in Lafayette's extremely competitive academic environment.

Nominees for the award must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or above and be a starter or key reserve for their team. The All-District II team is selected by a vote of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) membership in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington D.C. Each of the five selections will now be placed on the national ballot from which the Verizon Academic All-America team that will be announced on March 6.

Joining Farrell on the Academic All-District II team are Bucknell's Dan Blankenship, Monmouth's Jason Krayl, Robert Morris' Aaron Thomas and Duquesne's Jimmy Tricco.

Farrell, who is the first non-senior to serve as a Lafayette team captain since 1997-98, is coming off a 13-point, eight-rebound game in an 86-68 win over Lehigh on Sunday. This season, he has set new career highs in rebounds (14) and assists (5).

Lafayette (12-13, 6-6) returns to action on Thursday at Navy and then will finish off the regular season at American on Saturday.