May 8, 2008

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - Freshman Reindell Cole and senior Thomas Ross were named Big West Men's Field and Track Athletes of the Week respectively this week as Cal State Northridge prepares to host the Big West Championships.

From the Big West Conference

For the fourth time this season, Cal State Northridge took home multiple weekly honors as the Matadors claimed the Men's Track Athlete of the Week as well as the Men's Field Athlete of the Week.

Thomas Ross (Converse, Texas) claimed the track award for CSUN after running a 13.83 in the 110-meter hurdles at the Steve Scott Invitational. The senior's time is a season-best, an NCAA Regional qualifier and just .05 off his lifetime-best mark.

Reindell Cole (Las Vegas, Nev.) completed the Northridge sweep of the men's awards with his Field Athlete of the Week nod. The freshman recorded an incredible mark of 26-9.75 in the long jump at the Steve Scott Invitational. His effort is the best long jump in the nation this season.

NORTRHIDGE SET TO HOST BIG WEST CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH MULTI-EVENTS GETTING UNDERWAY THIS WEEKEND.

In the shadow of Hollywood, the Big West will have the first portion of its track extravaganza as the eight conference schools convene in Northridge for the heptathlon and decathlon championships at Matador Track on the campus of Cal State Northridge.

Cal Poly's James Nunno returns to defend his individual crown in the decathlon, while Cal State Northridge's Robert Robinson looks to improve on his runner-up finish from a year ago. Keep an eye on Justin Johnson of Cal State Northridge, Corbin Duer of Cal Poly and Chris Richardson of Long Beach State. Johnson has posted the highest point total in the conference in the multi-event so far in 2008, while Duer, a freshman, is ranked third. Richardson is returning to the championship after a year hiatus from competition.

Last year's heptatlon champion, Lauren Collins of UC Irvine, will not be returning to defend her crown, opening up the door for competitors to claim early points for their school. Cal Poly's Sharon Day, who finished second a year ago, aims to grab the top spot in her final go-round at the Big West Championships. Also returning from a year ago is fourth place finisher Desirae Gonder of Cal State Northridge. This year, Cal Poly's Sara Klein posted the top point total in the league, while Katie Black of Long Beach State and Lauri Schakett of UC Santa Barbara rank second and third, respectively.

- GO MATADORS -