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North Iowa Area Community College's Samantha Shoger and Spenser Rahm were named 2008 NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-Americans for their efforts both on and off the field during the past two seasons.

Shoger, who is from Nora Springs and played at Nora Springs-Rock Falls High, was a two-year starter for the Trojans and hit .323 this season with 42 hits, eight doubles, two triples and two homers. She posted a 3.94 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale during her NIACC career.

"What a tremendous and deserving honor," said NIACC head softball coach Tyler Sisco of Shoger.  "Sam typifies the type of student-athlete that we like to have representing NIACC. She works hard to excel both on the field and in the classroom."

Rahm, who is from Wesley and prepped at Bishop Garrigan High, finished 11th at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Nationals in the pentathlon last March, producing a school-record 2,929 points. He had won the Region XI pentathlon earlier in the winter. Rahm posted a 3.84 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Distinguished Academic All-Americans needed to earn a 3.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale over two years. More on Shoger and Rahm can be found on www.niacc.edu/athletics under the icons of their respective sports.

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