CIGICH NAMED THIRD-TEAM DAKTRONICS D-II ALL-AMERICA

            Clarion University’s Heather Cigich (Johnstown/Conemaugh Twp.) was once again rewarded Monday (July 26) for a successful 2003-2004 basketball season when she was named a third team 2004 Daktronics NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball All-America in a voting by Sports Information Directors.

            Cigich had an outstanding campaign for the Golden Eagles leading the PSAC in both scoring (20.0 ppg) and rebounding (12.1 rpg) while ranking 15^th in the nation in scoring and third in rebounding.

            An all-around player, Cigich also ranked 2^nd in the PSAC and 41^st in the nation in steals (3.1 spg), 4^th in the PSAC in blocked shots (1.1 bpg) and 7^th in the PSAC in shooting percentage (51.9 percent – 218-420). She also added 2.5 apg and shot 74.8 percent (101-135) from the free-throw line.

            Cigich added 21 double-doubles, three 30-point games, including a season-high 31 points twice – Edinboro Feb. 25 and West Liberty Nov. 23 – while going over 20 points 13 times. She also had one 20-rebound game – 21 vs. IUP Feb. 14 – and seven 15-rebound contests. Here 541 points in 2003-2004 rank fourth  all-time in a single-season at Clarion, her 328 rebounds ranks third and her 84 steals rank fourth.

            Already among the career leaders for the Golden Eagles, Cigich is currently averaging a career double-doubles with 16.9 ppg and 10.6 rpg. The 16.9 ppg currently stands as the highest career average in school history, while her 1,355 career points are fifth most in school history, her 850 rebounds third highest and her 63 blocks third most.

            The Daktronics All-American award adds to an impressive list of awards from the 2003-2004 season for Cigich. She was also a Kodak/WBCA Honorable Mention All-America, a first-team Daktronics East Region selection and a first-team PSAC-West choice. In addition to the basketball specific awards, Cigich was also named Clarion University’s Female Athlete of the Year.

            GOLDEN EAGLE NOTES: Cigich helped Clarion to a 15-12 overall record, a 7-5 PSAC-West mark (tied for second) and a PSAC Playoff berth in 2003-2004.