INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The NCAA made their selections for the 2011 Division II track and field national championships in Turlock, California starting May 26 and named Tarleton's Derekia Coleman as a participant in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.

Coleman has had a strong freshman year after being named All-Region in the South Central region for her performances this season in both the 100m and the 200m.  On top of that, the Fairfield native gets to add a trip to the national championships in just her first season at Tarleton.

Head coach Pat Ponder expressed his pride in Coleman's selection.

"I'm excited," said Ponder.  "We would have like to have taken more with 11 qualifiers on the list, but that just tells you how tough it is to get to nationals this year.  We are excited for Derekia and for Tarleton State University.  We know she will represent this team and the university well both on and off the track."

Coleman will begin competition on Thursday, May 26 and continue on Friday, May 27 as well.  She will begin with the 100-meter prelims at 6:40 p.m. on Thursday and follow up with the 200-meter prelims at 6 p.m. on Friday.  Finals will take place Saturday.

The full outdoor schedule is listed here, courtesy of the host school, Cal State Stanislaus.

For more information regarding the 2011 NCAA Division II National Championship, go to TarletonSports.com and click on the national championships link.