Sarah Olamide, criminal justice freshman, was named women’s track and field athlete of the week by the Sooner Athletic Conference.
Olamide was awarded SAC athlete of the week after competing in the Chris Weilert Open hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma on Jan. 18.
Olamide earned her first win of the season with her mile time of 5:20.64. She then won the 3,000 meter run with a time of 10:53.82.
She is the first athlete of the 2019-2020 season to receive the honor.
“I’m so happy and excited to have been recognized,” Olamide said. “I’m very grateful to God and my coach, who helped me get where I am today.”
Olamide said she is grateful for the support of her friends and teammates.
“They were happy to hear that I received the award,” Olamide said. “They’ve been so lovely, helpful and kind. Working with them is so much fun.”
This award is Olamide’s second weekly honor from the conference, her first being the SAC women’s cross country runner of the week for Oct. 21-27, 2019.
Matt Aguero, head cross country/track and field coach, said he hopes Olamide will qualify for national recognition.
“We have another meet coming up,” Aguero said. “I know her times could be better, so hopefully that goes well and she can qualify for the national meet.”
Aguero said awards and recognition such as SAC athlete of the week are a great way to represent not just teams or individuals, but the university itself.
“Any time our athletes can be honored for their work, it’s great,” Aguero said. “The conference gives out plenty of awards to our students, and we’re really proud of that.”
Aguero said he expects more students to receive honors this year.
“We’ve had many athletes of the week in the past,” Aguero said. “We’ve even had several nationally recognized athletes. It’s always an honor to earn things like that, and we’re hoping to rack up a few more this year.”
Olamide said she is excited for the future.
“God has so many plans for me.” Olamide said. “I’m very excited to see what comes next.”
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