FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012 – MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACT: Zach Lawson (zlawson@uark.edu)

 

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

Irwin added to Bowerman watch list

 

            FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – On the heels of winning the NCAA pole vault title, Andrew Irwin has been named to The Bowerman Watch List as announced Wednesday by the award’s watch list committee. Irwin is one of three new additions to the Watch List and is the only freshman selected for the list of ten watched for collegiate track and field’s top award.

            Irwin capped his 2012 indoor season with victories at the Southeastern Conference and NCAA Championships. With the wins, the Razorback freshman became the program’s first-ever indoor conference and national pole vault champion. He was named the SEC Freshman Field Athlete of the Year following his performance at the conference meet.

            The Mt. Ida, Ark., native reset the school record in the pole vault three times during his first season in Cardinal and White. At the NCAA Championships, Irwin won the competition with a clearance of 5.55m/18-2.5 to establish the best mark by a collegiate vaulter in 2012. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Week following his victory at the Arkansas-Texas Dual in which he set the then-school record of 5.50m/18-0.5. Irwin is the first Razorback to clear 18 feet indoors.

            Irwin is the second Razorback freshman to be recognized this season by The Bowerman committee. Gunnar Nixon became the second-ever Razorback selected to the Watch List when he was named in February following his world-junior record performance in the heptathlon at the Razorback Invitational. On this most recent list, Nixon is part of the ‘receiving mention’ group. Alain Bailey was the first Razorback to earn a spot on the list in May 2010.

            The Bowerman, which debuted in 2009, is presented annually by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) to the most outstanding male and female collegiate track and field performers in the nation. Visit TheBowerman.org for more information.

The outdoor season for the Razorbacks begins March 28-31 at Texas Relays and March 31 at the Arkansas Spring Invitational. For more information regarding Razorback track and field or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

 

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