May 12, 2008

Ohio's Emily Amendola (Beach City, Ohio) has won the Mid-American Conference's Field Athlete of the Week after her strong performance on Saturday at the Ohio Open, the league announced Monday afternoon.

The sophomore thrower finished first in the hammer throw, second in the discus and third in the shot put at the Ohio Open on Saturday at Goldsberry Track. Her 55.04 meter (180 feet, seven inches) throw in the hammer set a new program record, breaking the previous all-time mark by almost two feet. Jacklyn Lugaila held the previous record, with her throw of 178 feet, 10 inches in 2006. The throw also qualified her for regionals.

Amendola also qualified for regionals in the shot put, after throwing a personal best 14.88 meters (48 feet, 10 inches) in the event. Her previous best was 45 feet, 9.75 inches.

Bahiyjaui Allen (Sylvania, Ohio) won the MAC's Field Athlete of the Week Award on April 29 after setting a new Bobcat record in the shot put with a 50-foot throw at the Hillsdale Relays, giving the Bobcats two awards in a three week span.

The Ohio track and field team will compete at the Mid-American Conference Championships this weekend in Bowling Green, Ohio.