Pair of NCAA Leaders Named KU's Athletes of the Week
April 1, 2013
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Senior Francine Simpson and sophomore Michael Stigler were selected as KU track & field’s athletes of the week Monday as was announced by the coaching staff. Both athletes posted NCAA-leading marks over the weekend as they competed at the 86th Annual Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays.
Francine Simpson // SR // Chapelton, Jamaica // Long Jump
Simpson was one of four KU victors in the jumping events Friday evening at the Texas Relays. The senior won the long jump on her last attempt of the evening, hitting a mark of 6.62 meters (21’8.75″). The leap gave Simpson the win over two world-class professionals in Whitney Gibson and Funmi Jimoh. Her mark is the best in the NCAA so far this outdoor season and is the second-longest of her collegiate career. The jump was also the second-farthest wind-aided mark recorded in the world this year.
Michael Stigler // SO // Canyon, Texas // Hurdles
In his homecoming, Stigler raced to victory Friday in the 400-meter hurdle final after also topping the 55-man field in the semifinals the day prior. In the final the sophomore crossed the finish in 50.00 to claim the win and the third-fastest time of his career. His time is the fastest in the nation this year and puts him at No. 4 in the 2013 world rankings.
