MT. PLEASANT, Iowa - Ashford University track and field freshman Christian "Ed" Awah of Willow Springs, Ill., has been honored by the Midwest Collegiate Conference as the Men's Track Athlete of the Week.

Alongside six other members of the Saints' track and field team, Awah competed at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 4-6 in Johnson City, Tenn.

After posting an automatic qualifying time in the 60-meter hurdles earlier in the season, Awah lined up against the best hurdlers on the national stage. Awah placed third in his preliminary heat, crossing the finish line in 8.39 seconds. His time was good enough for 14th overall in the event, but was not fast enough to advance to the semifinals of the event.

Awah missed qualifying for the semifinals by just 0.02 seconds.

"Throughout this indoor season Christian has done what's been asked of him week in and week out," said Ashford Head Coach Chris Adams. "Not only has he been a key contributor, but he has shown that he is capable of competing under pressure."

After a successful indoor season which included setting a school record and winning the MCC crown in the 55-meter hurdles, Awah and the rest of the track and field program will take their abilities outdoors for the spring.

The 2010 outdoor season will begin on March 20 at the Augustana Early Spring Opener in Rock Island, Ill.

-By Assistant SID, Mitch Stoermer

MCC Honors for March 8

Women's Basketball
Jill Ginder - Iowa Wesleyan

Men's Track
Christian Awah - Ashford

Men's Field

Steven Hughes - Grand View
Javaras Thomas - William Penn

Women's Track

Obsie Birru - Grand View

Katie Burnett - William Penn

Women's Field

Lauryn Camp - Grand View