FARMINGTON, Utah (Apr. 15, 2024) – The Big Sky Conference office announced its honorees for the Big Sky Outdoor Track & Field Athletes of the Week, with Eastern Washington's Caitlin "Egypt" Simmons claiming her third weekly honor in as many as five weeks to highlight Monday's announcement.
Track & Field Athlete of the Week titles are awarded each week during the regular season that four or more teams compete.
Women's Track Athlete of the Week – Karrie Baloga, Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona's Karrie Baloga was named the female Big Sky Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week, after her great showing at the Bryan Clay Invitational this past weekend.
The freshman competed in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, running a time of 10:02.53 to finish 18th overall. Baloga's time places her second on NAU's all-time performance list in the event.
Others Nominated: Laura Beghin (Portland State), Dominique Abbott (Sac State), Franziska Stoehr (Idaho), Lily Meskers (Montana), Regina Mpigachai (UNC), Kyla Christopher-Moody (MSU)
Women's Field Athlete of the Week – Caitlin "Egypt" Simmons, Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington's Caitlin "Egypt" Simmons was named the female Big Sky Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week, earning her third weekly conference honor of the season.
Simmons had a pair of competitions this weekend, first at the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate Meet, where she posted a 12.78-meter mark. Two days later, Simmons jumped 12.77-meter mark at the Beach Invite.
Simmons maintains her hold on the top ranking in the Big Sky for triple jump.
Others Nominated: Sariyah Horne-Kemp (NAU), Alison Calvin-Stupfel (Portland State), Eliana Coburn (Sac State), Annika Jozin (Idaho), Whitney Morrison (Montana), Clara Fox (MSU), Kapua Pulotu (Weber State)
Men's Track Athlete of the Week – Colin Sahlman, Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona's Colin Sahlman had a busy Monday, after being named the male Big Sky Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week as well as the USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week.
Sahlman set a new school and conference record at the Bryan Clay Invitational this past weekend, after clocking a time of 3:33.96 to win the 1,500-meter event. Sahlman's time also ranks as the second-fastest in collegiate history.
Others Nominated: Amir Ahmed (Portland State), Rob McManus (MSU), Kelton Gagnon (Weber State), Jesse Hayward (UNC), Jaydon Green (Montana), Brandon Moreno (Sac State)
Men's Field Athlete of the Week – Evan Todd, Montana
Montana's Evan Todd was named the male Big Sky Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week, collecting the third weekly conference honor of his career.
Todd posted a mark of 70.78 meters in the javelin at the Beach Invite over the weekend, as he came in sixth for the event and second among Division-I throwers. The mark was a new personal best for Todd and was the fourth best throw in the Big Sky this season.
Others Nominated: Parker Bays (NAU), Colby Wilson (MSU), Dieumerci Migani (Portland State), Ryan Rieckmann (EWU), Noah Culbertson (Idaho), Josh Trafny (Weber State)
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Previous Winners
March 18, 2024
W. Track – Madeline Wilson, NAU
W. Field – Caitlin Simmons, EWU
M. Track – Nico Young, NAU
M. Field – Ryan Rieckmann, EWU
March 25, 2024
W. Track – Madeline Wilson, NAU
W. Field – Sydney Brewster, MSU
M. Track – Jerome Campbell, UNC
M. Field – Cody Canard, WSU
April 1, 2024
W. Track – Aliandrea Upshaw, NAU
W. Field – Sydney Brewster, MSU
M. Track – Ben Perrin, MSU
M. Field – Cody Canard, WSU
April 8, 2024
W. Track – Madeline Wilson, NAU
W. Field – Caitlin Simmons, EWU
M. Track – Jerome Campbell, UNC
M. Field – Elijah Jackman, MSU