Sugishita and Chelulei Claim Season's First A-Sun Indoor Track and Field Weekly Honors
12/7/2011 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
A-Sun Men's ATOW Release
A-Sun Women's ATOW Release
MACON, Ga. – Junior Kenneth Sugishita (Arroyo Grande, Calif.) and senior Carolyne Chelulei (Eldoret, Kenya) of the USC Upstate men's and women's track and field teams were named the Atlantic Sun Conference Men's Indoor Field Athlete of the Week and Women's Indoor Track Athlete of the Week, respectively as announced the conference today.
This is the first career A-Sun weekly honor for Sugishita. The junior posted a second-place finish in shot put with a mark of 15.54-meters (51-00.00) at Clemson's Orange and Purple Winter Classic Dec. 2. He also finished third in the weight throw with a score of 15.45-meters (50-08.25). Sugishita ranks 32nd in the nation in shot put.
"Kenny is simply a go-getter," said Upstate head coach Natalie Smith. "This young man really has a desire to win and to accomplish goals. I believe he is focused and locked-in when it comes to track and field. With this past weekend being opening weekend, Kenny actually trained through this meet however, I was glad to see him get out there and take the competition seriously and learn from the meet the areas that he needs to focus on. We are looking forward to great things from Kenny over the next two years."
This was also Chelulei's first career conference Indoor Track Athlete of the Week award and the program's second honor. She finished first in the 1,000-meter with a time of 3:02.38 at the Orange and Purple Winter Classic Dec. 2, hosted by Clemson. Chelulei's winning-time also set an Upstate record in the event.
"Carolyne looked exceptionally well in the 1,000-meter this weekend after recently coming out of cross country," Smith said. "This young lady has a great will to be successful and is always fun to watch at the end of any race because she knows how to battle. I am excited to see what type of performances she will have in her events this final season of her college career and I believe this young lady has potential in several different areas so it will be interesting to see where she will be better suited."
The Spartans return to action Jan. 14, traveling to the Chapel Hill, N.C., for the Dick Taylor Invite. Follow the Spartans this season on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
