PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly outdoor track and field honors for the week ending March 25.
AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MALE TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Brian Barraza * R-Sr. * Houston * El Paso, Texas
Barraza returned to the track collegiately for the first time in over a year and won the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Victor Lopez Classic. Barraza’s time of 8:41.58 broke the school record and ranks No. 1 in the NCAA this season.
AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE FEMALE TRACK ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Naomi Taylor * Fr. * Houston * League City, Texas
Taylor continued a strong freshman year at the Victor Lopez Classic, winning the 100-meter hurdles in 13.45 to run the nation’s 16th-fastest time. Taylor was the runner-up in the 60-meter hurdles at the conference indoor championships.
AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MALE FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Michael Criticos * Sr. * Memphis * Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Criticos, who holds The American’s record in the javelin throw, recorded his best toss since he set the record at the 2016 conference championships (71.85 meters) with his throw of 70.01 meters at the Al Schmidt Bulldog Relays. He distance ranks second in the conference and 10th nationally.
AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE FEMALE FIELD ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Samiyah Samuels * So. * Houston * Houston, Texas
Samuels recorded the fifth-longest jump in the nation at 6.29 meters to win the long jump at the Victor Lopez Classic. Samuels is the reigning conference indoor and outdoor long jump champion.