DENVER – Grand Canyon’s Tope Williams and Texas-Pan American’s Cristina Santiago Bravo have been named the Western Athletic Conference women’s track and field Athletes of the Week, respectively, for March 16-22.
Williams, a freshman from Chandler, Ariz. (Chandler HS), raced to a first-place finish among collegiate competitors in the 100-meter dash, crossing the line in 11.95 seconds. The freshman also took second in the 200-meter dash with her time of 24.65 seconds. Both of her times are the fastest in the WAC this season. In addition, Williams was a member of Grand Canyon’s 4x100-meter relay team that placed second and Canyon’s 4x400-meter relay team that finished fifth at the Willie Williams Classic.
Santiago Bravo, a junior from Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain (IES Galileo Galilei), won a pair of events at the Cactus Cup on Sunday. She beat out 11 other throwers to win the hammer throw after hitting a mark of 54.02 meters. Bravo then followed that with a win in the javelin throw with a throw of 38.68 meters as she beat six other throwers in the event. Her throw in the hammer is the highest mark in the conference so far this season and her throw in the javelin ranks second in the WAC this season.
Other Track Nominees: Sam Sweet, Utah Valley; Diana Hawk New Mexico State; Sophie Curatilo, Seattle U.
Other Field Nominees: Brianne Kee, Grand Canyon; Taylor Stutely, New Mexico State; Mandie Maddux, Seattle U.