Jan. 9, 2012
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Following outstanding opening week performances, redshirt-sophomore Mahagony Jones (Cleveland, Ohio), and redshirt-junior Hanif Johnson (Harrisburg, Pa.) have both earned Big Ten Track and Field Athlete of the Week nods, announced by conference offices on Monday. Jones, who racked up a three victories at last weekend's Penn State Relays, currently leads the NCAA in the 200-meters, while Johnson's season-opener in the triple jump ranks third nationally, and first among Big Ten competitors.
Jones enjoyed a stellar afternoon last Saturday, picking up wins in the 60- and 200-meters individually, and leading off the winning 4x400-meter relay. Jones would clock a collegiate PR 7.41 to win the 60, before bouncing back to win the 200 in a sizzling 23.68 - the fastest performance in the NCAA in 2012. Jones' performances have an impact on the Penn State record books, as her 7.41 is tied for the third-fastest effort in Nittany Lion indoor history, and her 200 mark stands fifth on the all-time list.
The women's 4x400 performance was equally as impressive, as the quartet of Jones, freshman Dynasty McGee (Ypsilanti, Mich.), Kirsten Nieuwendam (Parimaribo, Suriname), and senior Ije Iheoma (Holland, Pa.) set a new meet record with an NCAA-leading 3:36.91, to better the field by nearly five full seconds.
Johnson also impressed in his opening effort of the 2012 season, turning in a leap of 50-0.75 (15.26) to win the triple jump by nearly three feet. Johnson's leap is currently ranked third in the NCAA and is tops among Big Ten competitors.
The Nittany Lions are back in action this weekend at the Nittany Lion Challenge, set for Saturday, January 14, at Nittany Lion Track.