Nov. 14, 2002

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State football players Jesse Busta, Jeremy Guenter and Casey Poppinga were all named to the Verizon Academic all-District VIII second team it was announced on Thursday.

Busta, a senior linebacker, was named to the second team for the second straight season. Busta, who leads the team in tackles with 107 through nine games, owns a 3.23 grade-point average in management.

Guenter, who has played in every game this season and started the first two contests of the year, has recorded 10 tackles and leads the team with two fumble recoveries. The sophomore maintains a 3.26 GPA in biology.

Poppinga is a senior tight end, who is having his most productive season with 13 catches. He has a 3.56 GPA in physical education.

The team is voted on by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Director's Associaton) members from within the District VIII states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawai'i, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington and the province of British Columbia.

The Aggies will continue their football season with a game at Troy State on Saturday at 10 a.m. Mountain Time.