May 14, 2008

KENNESAW, Ga. - The Atlantic Sun Conference named Kennesaw State 800m specialist Gianni Catalano the Men's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week on Wednesday afternoon. This marks the first time that the freshman has been honored with a weekly award.

At the Clemson Orange and Purple Classic, Catalano took first place in a strong field of competition. In the final 200m of the race he was sitting in third place behind O'Neil Williams of Benedict College and E.C. Gibbs of Georgia Tech. As the racers turned into the final straight away, Catalano kicked into high gear to pass his opponents and cross the finish line in 1:52.58.

"It's awesome that I won," said Catalano. "The 800m is my favorite race. It's like running a distance race in two laps. There's a lot of strategy involved."

Catalano is the reigning A-Sun 800m Indoor Champion. In his freshman season he has become a cornerstone of the Owls mid-distance program. He currently holds the fastest conference time for the race with a mark of 1:51.81. Heading into the A-Sun Outdoor Conference Championship, he is highly favored to win his second individual championship of 2008.

"Gianni is a freshman but he doesn't run like one," said sprint coach Devin West. "No matter what race he is in he keeps his composure and does what needs to get done."

Catalano and the Owls will complete their season this weekend as they travel to Clemson, S.C, to compete in the A-Sun Outdoor Conference Championship.