Sept. 12, 2011
TUCSON - The Arizona Wildcat men's and women's track and field team announced their annual awards for the 2011 season this week. Student-athletes voted on each award and the coaching staff made the final decision on who would be honored.
Distance runner Stephen Sambu, thrower Julie Labonté and high jumper Brigetta Barrett each won three awards: MVP, Most Outstanding and the Golden A, which is an Arizona Athletics award given to the top student-athletes in each sport. Sambu was an All-American in the 5,000 meters during the indoor season and an All-American in the 10,000 meters for the outdoor season.
Labonté was the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Champion in the shot put. She also picked up the MPSF Indoor and Pac-10 Outdoor Championships titles. Barrett was the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Champion in the high jump. She won a gold medal at the World University Games and represented Team USA in the high jump finals at the IAAF World Championships.
Distance runner Jen Bergman, hurdler LaTisha Holden and thrower Rob Gire were named the team's Most Improved. The Willie Williams Academics and Athletics Award went to thrower Alyssa Hasslen and high jumper Edgar Rivera Morales. Sprinter Shapri Romero, thrower Baillie Gibson and distance runner Lawi Lalang were named the Newcomers of the Year.
For continued coverage of Arizona Wildcat men's and women's track and field, visit ArizonaWildcats.com
