Three women were named finalists for the 2016 Bowerman Award on Thursday afternoon. The distinguished award named after legendary Oregon coach Bill Bowerman is awarded to one male and one female track and field athlete each year to recognize outstanding achievement in the sport. This year's finalists include Texas senior Courtney Okolo, Georgia sophomore Keturah Orji and Mississippi sophomore Raven Saunders.

For Okolo, the 400m specialist, it's her second chance at the award since she was nominated as a finalist for the first time in 2014. For Orji, a record-breaking triple jumper, and Saunders, a dominant shot-putter, their nominations are not only personal firsts, but also inaugural nods for their programs. 

FloTrack's takes from earlier this week placed Orji and Okolo among the finalists, but the battle over which woman would fill that third spot was hotly contested. Gordon picked Kendell Williams, Dennis chose Shamier Little, and Adam locked in Dom Scott as his third finalist. Though none of the guys initially picked Saunders, her 8-0 record in outdoor shot put finals this year and new collegiate record of 19.33m certainly qualify her as candidate for the award. 

Finalists on the men's side will be announced tomorrow in a live webcast at 2PM ET. The award will be given to the both the male and female winners at a ceremony in December.