April 2, 2009

SPARTANBURG, S.C. ---- Samford distance runner Hillary Neal has been named Southern Conference Track Athlete of the Week for all meets from March 25-April 1, the conference office announced Thursday. The athlete of the week awards are voted on by the league's head outdoor track and field coaches.

"I am really happy that Hillary was named athlete of the week," Samford head coach Rod Tiffin said. "I have felt several times during the indoor and outdoor season that she was deserving and she was not selected. It always feels good to be recognized for your accomplishments."

Neal won the 1500-meter run at the Alabama Relays this past weekend with a time of 4:30.61. She also ran a leg of the school-record Sprint Medley Relay that finished in third place, running 2:12 for the 800-meter leg of the race.

Also nominated for this week's track award was Elon's Emily Fournier.

The Bulldog track and field teams will be back in action this Saturday, April 4, as they travel to Clarksville, Tenn., for the Austin Peay Invitational.