USA Track & Field – News – Suhr Named USA Track & Field Athlete of the Week

INDIANAPOLIS – Jenn Suhr has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after setting an indoor world record of 5.02m/16-5.50 in the women’s pole vault to win the USA Indoor Track & Field Championships Saturday in Albuquerque.

Suhr had an outstanding day of vaulting as she soared past the American record and world record on her first attempt at each bar. The vault improved Suhr’s previous American record of 4.88m/16-0 from 2012 and marks the ninth time she has set the American record in the past six years.

This was Suhr’s first world record, and betters Yelena Isinbayeva’s previous record of 5.01m/16-5.25 from 2012.

“I was in a groove tonight. I put a lot of pressure on myself,” Suhr said after her record-setting vault. “I wanted to perform well and perform what I am capable of, so I naturally put pressure on myself. I knew some big things could happen, I just need to be healthy and come down the runway."

Now in its 12th year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on www.usatf.org. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.

2013 Winners: January 9, Bobby Mack; January 16, Mary Cain; January 22, Ajeé Wilson; January 30, Duane Solomon; February 6, Chris Derrick; February 13, Jeremy Taiwo; February 20, Alysia Montaño; February 27, Galen Rupp; March 6, Jenn Suhr

WEEK IN REVIEW – FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 3 From USATF Statistician Glen McMicken

While most eyes were on the USA Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, many NCAA Division I teams scrambled at last chance meets to nab qualifying spots for next weekend's national meet.

COLUMBIA — Lopez Lomong set a pending American Record in the 5,000m with a 13:07.00 at the Armory in NYC on March 1. Chris Derrick moved to No. 4 on the all-time U.S. list in second at 13:12.00, with Andrew Bumbalough's 13:23.68 in third moved him to No. 7. Elliott Heath nabbed the 10 spot with his 13:33.22 in fourth.

Post-collegians also dominated the 1,000m as Brian Gagnon (2:18.26) and Mike Rutt (2:18.27) gave the New Jersey-New York TC the fifth and sixth fastest Americans ever.

Georgetown's women clocked the seventh-best U.S. time ever in the distance medley with a 10:57.95.

ARKANSAS — Dropping his lifetime best by almost three seconds, Leoman Momoh of Arkansas took over the U.S. lead in the 800 at 1:46.07. That put him eighth on the all-time U.S. indoor list.

NOTRE DAME (oversize track) — Penn State's men zipped to the third-fastest indoor DMR ever in any conditions with a 9:26.60 that was most notable for the fact that star half-miler Casimir Loxsom didn't run on it. In a different section, Princeton garnered the No. 5 spot on the U.S. ATL and Stanford grabbed the No. 6 position.

WASHINGTON — Former 10,000m AR holder Chris Solinsky returned to the track after taking 2012 off, winning the 3000m in 8:05.38.

SOUTH PLAINS SWEEPS JUCO TITLES
Athletes from South Plains College (Texas) have dominated the JUCO ranks of late, and the Texans moved their team title tally to 30 with a sweep of the men's and women's trophies at Lubbock on March 2. Vernon Norwood led the SPC men with a 1:17.04 win in the 600, while Darroneshia Lott won the 1000, mile and 3000 for the Texan women.

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST TAKES NAIA CHAMPIONSHIPS
A sweep by Oklahoma Baptist was in the cards at the NAIA Championships at Ohio's SPIRE Institute, and the Bison didn't disappoint as they ran away with both trophies. Hannah Helker won the 1,000m and 5,000m, and Travis Hinton captured gold in the 600m to lead OBU.

 
Katie Branham
USA Track & Field
Marketing & Communications Manager
317­-713­-4672
Katie.Branham@usatf.org