Hogan, Gingerich Win OVC Weekly Track Awards

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Eastern Illinois added two more weekly track awards as Bryce Hoganand Megan Gingerich each were named an OVC Track Athlete of the Week following their performances at the Grand Valley State Big Meet.

Hogan placed first in the men's long jump as he was named the OVC Male Field Athlete of the Week.  Hogan had a jump 22'9” to win the event.  His best jump of the season was at the Notre Dame Meyo Invite on Feb. 3 which ranks 10th on the EIU career list.

Gingerich set a pair of school records for EIU as she was named the OVC Female Track Athlete of the Week.  Gingerich broke her own school record in the 800m with a time of 2:09.53 as she placed second in the event.  She then ran the second leg on the women's 4x400 relay as the team set the school record with a time of 3:46.27.

The EIU men's program dropped to No. 12 in this week's USTFCCCA regional rankings.  Nebraska maintained its grip on No. 1 in the region followed by Minnesota, Oklahoma, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas State, Iowa State, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Kansas in the top ten.  The last five schools ranked in the region included Southern Illinois, Eastern Illinois, Oral Roberts, Tulsa and Northern Iowa.

The Panthers return to action this Friday hosting the EIU Friday Night Special at Lantz Fieldhouse.