Posted By Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:

Sonoma State fared well in a national annual ranking of athletic programs and student athlete academic success.
The 2011 National College Scouting Association Collegiate Power Rankings placed Sonoma State No. 21 among all 280 NCAA Division II schools. Topping the list was UC San Diego, a Seawolves rival in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
The rankings are based on student-athlete graduation rates, academic rankings by U.S. News & World Report, and the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup rating for the strength of NCAA athletic departments.
The scouting group created the rankings to help student-athletes choose colleges and universities at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels.
College coaches evaluate and recruit athletes through the NCSA Network.
“We are fortunate to have a group of student-athletes and coaches that believe in our mission of academic excellence, competitive success, and community outreach,” said Sonoma State athletic director Bill Fusco. “This exceptional national honor is one the entire university can share and be proud of.”
Sonoma State was No. 15 in last year’s NCSA power ranking.