The University of Akron Athletics
Track & Field Honors 2009-10 Accomplishments
October 21 | Track & Field
Akron, Ohio - The University of Akron men's and women's track and field program recently held a banquet in recognition of the 2009-10 accomplishments. Held Oct. 2 at the James A. Rhodes Arena, the event was an opportunity to formally recognize the program's student-athletes for their hard work and dedication as well as a chance to connect with fellow Zips fans, alumni, current athletes and their families.
Three Zips were named Newcomer of the Year. Allie Wood was the women's indoor honoree after placing fifth at the Mid-American Indoor Championships. In the women's outdoor Brittany Cheese was awarded after qualifying for the USA Track & Field Junior National Championships in the heptathlon as well as being a NCAA Indoor Provisional Qualifier in the pentathlon.
Bjorn Johansson was the men's indoor and outdoor newcomer after being the MAC Indoor Champion in the heptathlon and a NCAA Indoor Provisional Qualifier in the pole vault. During the outdoor season, Johansson participated in the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the decathlon and was the MAC Outdoor runner-up-in the same event.
The Most Improved women's indoor award went to Felicia Close who was an NCAA Indoor Provisional Qualifier in the pentathlon. The outdoor women's honoree was Alina Bocicor who was a NCAA outdoor preliminary round qualifier in the triple jump. Bocicor also broke the school record in outdoor triple jump.
The men's indoor award went to Joe Mummert who became a school record holder in the indoor 800m, outdoor 4x800 and distance medley relay. The outdoor honor was awarded to J'Lani Pryce who was a MAC outdoor runner-up in the 400m hurdles after being introduced to the event only four weeks before the meet.
Last but not least were the Most Valuable awards. Carrie Kayes took home the women's indoor honor after a fourth place finish at the NCAA Indoor Championships in the pole vault as well as being the MAC Indoor Champion. Kayes also holds the school record and the MAC record in the indoor pole vault. Also strong as an outdoor competitor, Kayes placed seventh at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Valerie Wert was the women's outdoor Most Valuable after a sixth place mark at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the hammer throw. Wert was also a NCAA Outdoor Championship participant in the discus and holds the school record in the event. As well, Wert was the MAC Outdoor Champion in both events and was named the MAC Outdoor Most Valuable Field Performer.
On the men's side, Mike
Uhle was the indoor honoree after a fourth place finish at the
NCAA Indoor Championships in the pole vault. Uhle was also a MAC
Indoor & Outdoor Champion and holds the conference outdoor
championship meet record in the pole vault. He was also NCAA
Outdoor Preliminary Round Qualifier in the event. During the
outdoor season, Daniel Kinsey was the winner after a sixth place
mark at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in the decathlon while also
claiming the MAC Outdoor Champion award in the event.
