Feb. 2, 2009

Women’s Track Athlete of the Week

Bridget Franek, Penn State
Jr., Hiram, Ohio / Crestwood

Franek shattered Penn State’s 21-year old 3,000-meter record by over three seconds this past Saturday, posting a NCAA automatic qualifying time of 9:10.04.  She was the fastest collegiate runner in the field at the Penn State National meet and her time ranks first in the Big Ten and third in the nation this season.  The junior picks up her first career weekly indoor award.  

Last Penn State Indoor Track Athlete of the Week: Brienne Simmons (2/5/08)

Women’s Field Athlete of the Week

Gayle Hunter, Penn State
Sr., Riverside, Calif. / Riverside

Hunter punched her ticket to the NCAA Championships by totaling 4.236 points in the pentathlon this past Saturday at the Penn State National.  Her score exceeded the automatic qualifying standard by 186 points and serves as the No. 1 mark in the country so far this season.  Hunter also won the open long jump competition with a provisionally qualifying spot of 20-1.75 (6.14m.) after hitting a distance of 20-5.25 (6.23m.) during the pentathlon.  Her 60-meter hurdles time of 8.37 during the multi-event also qualified her for the NCAA meet.  Hunter takes home her second career Big Ten Indoor Field Athlete of the Week accolade. 

Last Penn State Indoor Field Athlete of the Week:  Lena Bettis (2/12/08)

Big Ten Women's Indoor Track

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