April 4, 2007

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Senior track and field standout Brent Des Roches and senior women's soccer player Michelle Pitzl were named 2006-07 BIG EAST/Aeropostale Male and Female Scholar-Athletes announced by conference officials. The BIG EAST/Aeropostale Scholar-Athlete Awards were established to recognize student-athletes who have achieved success in the classroom and on the field. Each will receive $2,000 toward graduate studies.

Pitzl, a second team NSCAA All-Great Lakes and third team All-BIG EAST selection for last two seasons, has been an integral part of Marquette's backline as she has started in every game during 2005 and 2006. In 2006, the senior from Shoreview, Minn., helped the Golden Eagles to shutout 12 opponents, five in BIG EAST play, and was a key reason why Marquette allowed just one goal in its last seven wins of the season. Pitzl earned Soccer Buzz All-Great Lakes region third team honors following the 2005 season and was a second team selection after the 2006 season.

As a communication studies and elementary education major, Pitzl has cumulative grade point average of 3.225. She was named a BIG EAST Academic All-Star in 2005 and 2006, and plans to pursue a masters in education. Along with her work inside the classroom, Pitzl is involved in activities around the community as a team leader in Marquette's Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowling for Kids Sake and Marquette's Student-Athlete Thanksgiving Clothing Drive.

Senior track and field athlete Brent Des Roches.

Des Roches, a Civil Engineering major with a 3.478 cumulative grade point average, was named an Academic All-Star in Marquette's first season in the BIG EAST and placed fifth in both the 3,000m and 5,000m at the Indoor Championships. As a member of Conference USA, he earned all-conference cross country honors three times, outdoor track & field honors twice and indoor track & field honors once. In 2004, Des Roches doubled at the Conference USA Indoor Championships, winning the 3,000m and 5,000m, and at the Conference USA Outdoor Championships, he claimed the 10,000m. In his first year as a Golden Eagle in 2003, he was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year.