NEW ORLEANS, La. - Nine members of the UNO track and field team were named U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association all-region honorees today.  It's the first time the USTFCCCA has handed out the awards.

The top five from each region in individual events and each member of a relay ranked in the region's top three have earned the All-Region distinction for the 2011 indoor season.

A total of 1,039 male and female athletes received 1,482 all-region nods in the inaugural class.

#Anja Puc# was named all-region for her performances in the 800 meters, the mile and the 4 x 400 meter relay.  #Maja Mihalinec# also was recognized for her performances in three events - the 60 meters, 200 meters and the 4 x 400 relay.

#Nkeiruka Domike was recognized for her marks in the triple and long jumps while Kathie-Lee Laidley# was recognized for the long and high jumps.

The Mavs other all-region honorees included #Heather Minssen# (shot put), #Kayla Koepke# (4 x 400 relay), #Jody-Ann Coore# (60 meter hurdles), #Celeste Robinson# (4 x 400 relay) and #Denneil Shaw# (long jump).

Also today, UNO learned that eight of its athletes have qualified and will participate in the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championship next week hosted by Adams State in Albuquerque, N.M.  Mihalinec will run in the 60 meters and the 200 meters.  Domike will compete in the triple and long jumps and Laidley in the long and high jumps.  Minssen will compete in the shot put while Puc will race in the 800, and Coore will toe the line in the 60 m hurdles.  Mihalinec and Puc will team with Robinson and Koepke in the 4 x 400 relay.

The indoor championship is Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12.