San Francisco State University

SAN ANGELO, Texas – San Francisco State’s Luisa Musika (Milpitas, Calif., Milpitas HS) capped  off a stellar freshman campaign on Saturday, earning All-America honors with a sixth-place finish in the discus throw at the 2009 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships at LeGrande Sports Complex in San Angelo, Texas. 

Musika made her first appearance at the national meet a memorable one, posting a distance of 147 feet, 5 inches to become the Gators’ first All-American thrower since 2004 when Cammi Carroll took third in the hammer throw.

“I felt pretty calm and in control the whole day,” Musika said.  “Since this was my first time competing here at the national championships, I just kept telling myself that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain from the experience.” 

Musika’s result also marks the second year in a row that an SF State track and field competitor earned All-America honors, as the top eight finishers in each individual event receive such distinction.  Anna Bretan placed third for the Gators in the 5,000-meter run in 2008.

“Luisa competed like a seasoned veteran today,” said SF State head coach Terry Burke. “Even though she was one of just three non-seniors to finish in the top eight, she showed a lot of poise and that says a lot.  It was an extraordinary way for her to wrap up a brilliant freshman year.”