TOWSON, Md. – Ryan Bertucci’s legacy with the Chico State track & field program will be one of soaring to great heights both in the classroom and at the high jump pit. Bertucci, a two-time All-American and three-time NCAA Championship qualifier in the high jump, has been named to the 2009-10 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Men’s Track and Field and Cross Country Team, as chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Bertucci, a senior biology major from Gardnerville, Nev., was one of 18 athletes named to the Second Team and the lone NCAA Division II athlete from the West Region honored. He was up against all NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA athletes in the nation. In all, 45 of those athletes received All-America honors.

Bertucci finished eighth in the high jump at the recent National Championships. He finished fourth in the nation as a junior and 10th as a sophomore. The top eight finishers receive All-America status. He is also a four-time All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) recipient in the event, and claimed the conference title earlier this year.

Bertucci was recently named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team, which qualified him for the national ballot. He was named to the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic team in 2009 and will earn that award once again if the criteria – a 3.25 cumulative GPA and qualifying mark for the NCAA Championships – remain the same. The winners of that award will be named in July. He will also receive his fourth consecutive CCAA All-Academic Team award in July.