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INDOOR TRACK & FIELD ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
MEN
Utah Valley's Nick Taylor and Grand Canyon's Marcus Flannigan have been named Western Athletic Conference Track and Field Athletes of the week, respectively, for Jan. 18-24.
Taylor, a senior from Pearland, Texas (Clearbrook HS) set a new school record in the 200m dash with a time of 21.14 seconds as the Utah Valley University track and field team competed in the Bronco Invitational in the Ford Idaho Center on Saturday. Taylor surpassed the four-year standing record of 21.18 seconds, earning a victory in the 200m. Earlier in the day, Taylor also snagged the first-place victory in the 60m dash with a time of 6.78 seconds to pace the Wolverines.
Flannigan, a junior from Chandler, Ariz. (Chandler) finished as the second-best collegian in the long jump at the Cherry and Silver Invitational. His jump of 7.39m surpasses his previous WAC-best mark of 7.10m. In addition, Flannigan also ran 6.94 in the 60m, 22.20 in the 200m and was the third-leg of the WAC-leading 4x400m relay that ran 3:14.77.
Other track nominees: Grand Canyon's Josh Ralston finished as 2nd collegiate runner at 400m with a WAC leading time of 48.36. Ralston also 22.32 in the 200m and anchored the 4x400 relay to a WAC leading time of 3:14.77
Other field nominees: Utah Valley's McKay Burnett led the men's throws placing second in the weight throw with a toss of 54-04.75 feet.
WOMEN
Grand Canyon's Emily Wilkinson and NM State's La'Shya Cole have been named Western Athletic Conference Track & Field Athletes of the week, respectively, for Jan. 18-24.
Wilkinson, a senior from Tucson, Ariz. (Ironwood Ridge) broke her own school record in the mile, running 5:06.72 to place third overall and finish as the second collegian at the Cherry and Silver Invitational. Wilkinson's mile is the fastest in the WAC by over seven seconds.
Cole, a sophomore from Orange, Texas (West Orange-Stark HS) swept both events she competed in. She led the team of Aggies that took the top three spots in the Triple Jump with a mark of 11.75m (38 ft. 7in.). In the Long Jump, she won with a mark of 5.61m (18 ft. 5 in.). Her marks in both events were a college best for Cole. She currently is second in the WAC in both events. She played a large role in helping the Aggies sweep the other five teams in the team scored meet, defeating CSU Bakersfield 99-35, UNLV 70-66, Pepperdine 95-31, Northern Arizona 72-65 and Cal State Fullerton 85-55.
Other track nominees: NM State's Dominique Jackson finished second in the 400-meter dash with a time of 57.32. She currently leads the conference in this event. Jackson played a large role in helping the Aggies sweep the other five teams in the team scored meet, defeating CSU Bakersfield 99-35, UNLV 70-66, Pepperdine 95-31, Northern Arizona 72-65 and Cal State Fullerton 85-55. Utah Valley's Savannah Berry led the women's distance team with a second place finish in the 3000m run with a time of 10.28.25.
Other field nominees: Grand Canyon's Nyomi Mosley finished 8th overall in the weight throw with a mark of 16.50m, good for 3rd in the WAC. Utah Valley's Chantil Martin placed sixth in the weight throw with a mark of 54'-08†(chasing a school record of 54'-11.5â€).
REGIONAL RANKINGS
The USTFCAA regional rankings have been posted and two WAC teams rank in the top 15. On the men's side, Utah Valley is 7th in the Mountain Region and Grand Canyon is 7th in the West Region. On the women's side, Grand Canyon is 12th in the West Region.
UTAH VALLEY'S NICK TAYLOR MAKING STRIDES
The senior set a new school record in the 200m dash with a time of 21.14 seconds as the Utah Valley University track and field team competed in the Bronco Invitational in the Ford Idaho Center on Saturday. Taylor surpassed the four-year standing record of 21.18 seconds, earning a victory in the 200m. Earlier in the day, Taylor also snagged the first-place victory in the 60m dash with a time of 6.78 seconds to pace the Wolverines. Taylor is currently tied for 13th in the nation in the 200m, according to tfrrs.org. He is also ranked 33rd in the 60m.
WAC CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 2016 WAC Indoor Track and Field Championships are held in Nampa, Idaho from Feb. 25-27. The Utah Valley men and Grand Canyon women will be looking to repeat titles from last year.
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 2016 Indoor Track and Field National Championships will be hosted by Samford and take place in Birmingham, Ala. from March 11-12.
March 11-12, 2016
Host: Samford
Location: Birmingham, Ala.
Facility: Birmingham Crossplex