MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho's student athletes, Tara Goertzen and Sam Fulbright, have been named the Vandal Academic Services Student-Athletes of the Month for February. Goertzen and Fulbright not only excel in their athletics, but they have deep passions for their unique fields of study.

Goertzen is a senior on the women's swim team earning a major in Animal and Vet Science: Pre-Vet and a minor in Pre-Health. The Boise native boasts a 3.85 GPA while taking 20 credits this semester. She is in the process of getting an internship on campus and works part-time at the WSU large animal unit on top of her academics and swimming schedule.

"My plans for post-grad are to get my master's in Animal Science and then hopefully get accepted into veterinary school," Goertzen said. "Something I am looking forward to this semester would be graduation and the potential promo for swim where other athletes and students can come race us. I am also excited to begin my research in May!"

Fulbright is a junior on the men's track and field team. He is in the process of obtaining a major in Rangeland Conservation and minors in Wildlife Resources and Pre-Health. He is a well-rounded student with a 3.96 GPA and works hard in all his classes.

"Post-graduation, I plan to either pursue a master's degree in Natural Resources or begin a career in range and wildlife management to improve rangeland health on public lands," said Fulbright.

Speaking on his major, Fulbright expressed, "it is important for both my future career and for its impact on rangeland health. I look forward to opportunities to work outside, but more importantly, I see the value of improving and understanding rangelands through research and sustainable management. I have come to value range's importance in the ranching industry and the field of wildlife conservation."