By KYLE ROBERTS

Sports Writer

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association awarded 19 all-state honors to Tech athletes following the 2004 track and field season.

"It's a big deal to be named to all-state in the state of Louisiana," head coach Gary Stanley said. "In a state with such a tremendous track program in LSU, it's an incredible honor for those kids."

Tech was second behind LSU, which garnered most of the awards.

The top three finishes in each event were awarded with all-Louisiana honors.

Tech athletes honored were Brenda Grace-Hunt (javelin), Troy Lewis (100, 200-meter dash), Stefan Malmquist (1500), David Phillips (800), Carlos Arrizon (3000-meter steeplechase), Doria Appleberry (400-meter hurdles) and Tawanna Williams (shot-put).

The Lady Techster 400 and 1600-meter relay teams also received all-state honors.

"The awards show that both our men and women's programs are well represented," Stanley said. "When you look at the total numbers, they show, other than the predominant program in the state which is LSU, we have the best program in the state."

Stanley, who recently received the honor of Western Athletic Conference women's track and field coach of the year, also said the awards will help recruiting, especially in Louisiana.

"This definitely gears more toward in-state kids," Stanley said. "A lot of kids who come to college will weigh their options to go in-state, and TOPS keeps them here in Louisiana. These awards will certainly help make Tech a more appealing option."