
January 25, 2012
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Lawrence, a junior from Omaha, Neb., posted first-place finishes in two events at the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite on Jan. 20. His time of 6.73 topped a field of 37 runners in the 60-meter dash and placed him second this season behind Aquinas’ (Mich.) Rumeal McKinney in that category. Lawrence then clocked in at 21.74 in the 200-meter dash, vaulting him to the top of this season’s NAIA leaderboard. He gained NAIA All-America status in both events at the 2011 National Championships.
Wickham, a senior and Phillipsburg, Kan., native, blew away a field of 46 participants in the weight throw at the Nebraska Wesleyan Invite on Jan. 20. His mark of 69’ 5 ¼” put him comfortably in front of all other competitors and is far-and-away the top weight throw in the NAIA this season. The next best weight throw on the season came from Hastings’ Cody Weber, whose 60’ 9 ¼” mark is a full 8’ 8” short of Wickham’s top measurement. The last NAIA competitor to approach Wickham’s mark was Doan’s Will Moman with a weight throw of 69’ 4” in 2006.
The next Athletes of the Week will be announced on Feb. 1.
Track Nominees: Taylor Nall, Baker (Kan.); Justin Jones, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.); Adam Godwin, Oklahoma Baptist; Nathan Mesta, Oklahoma Christian; Andy Coy, Dakota State (S.D.); Wes Hammer, Grand View (Iowa); Jamal Murphy, Bacone (Okla.); Alex Blehm, Davenport (Mich.); Monte Larsen, Morningside (Iowa); Dewayne Booker, Wayland Baptist (Texas); Dustin Heiler, Aquinas (Mich.); Nicholas Hestand, Evangel (Mo.); Justin Kilpatrick, Ashford (Iowa); DeWain Meeks, Missouri Baptist; Andre Moodie, Mount Mercy (Iowa); Ronnie Taylor, Hastings (Neb.); Zach Widner, Siena Heights (Mich.); Colton McNinch, Southwestern (Kan.); Austen Barnes, Indiana Tech; Sam Acheampong, Briar Cliff (Iowa); Nate Nevius, Judson (Ill.); Sean Smith, St. Francis (Ill.).
Field Nominees: Ty'Rel Fields, Olivet Nazarene (Ill.); Juan Gonzales, Oklahoma Baptist; Derrick Toney, McPherson (Kan.); Ryan Gass, Morningside (Iowa); Emmanuel Panchol, Ashford (Iowa); Tyler Wells, Grand View (Iowa); Robbie Haynie, Eastern Oregon; Austin Basterrechea, College of Idaho; Kyle Abney, Indiana Wesleyan; Tracy Marshall, Oklahoma Christian; Kevin Rodgers, Southwestern (Kan.); Herbert Gary, Indiana Tech; Ray Carney, Siena Heights (Mich.); Shane Kenney, Saint Xavier (Ill.); Kiefer Smith, Central Methodist (Mo.); Josh Barry, St. Francis (Ill.).
2012 Composite Award Winners (Track; Field) (Schedule)
Week 1: Edwin Ronoh, Doane (Neb.); Rob Keeney, Doane (Neb.)
Week 2: Monte Larsen, Morningside (Iowa); Raheem Cowan, Briar Cliff (Iowa)
Week 3: B.J. Lawrence, Doane (Neb.); Gabe Wickham, Hastings (Neb.)