RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference has recognized Oklahoma Baptist Track and Field athletes Matthew Higdon and Jade Byrd as Athletes of the Week following outstanding performances at the John Jacobs Invitational last Saturday.
This is the first career conference weekly nod for either athlete.
A junior from Tecumseh, Okla., Higdon earned an NCAA Division II provisional mark after a personal-best heave of 196-9 (59.97) in the hammer throw. He placed fourth overall in the event, the only Division II athlete among the top five.
This season, Higdon's throw is the furthest mark in the GAC and ranks fifth in the Central Region. Additionally, it is 16th in the nation.
Freshman Jade Byrd claimed sixth place with a 153-2 (46.69m) hurl in the discus, good for an NCAA Division II qualifying mark. Byrd is the only representative from the GAC to earn a provision mark thus far. Her throw ranks 18th in the nation and fifth in the region.
For more information on the OBU track and field and cross country teams, follow them on Twitter (@OBU_TrackXC) and Instagram (@OBU_TrackXC).
